Letter from Judy Wellman, NCWHS Vice-President and NY State Coordinator, NVWT
Dear Rev. Blue, Robin Nowell (a.k.a. Hester Jeffrey), and so many others who participated in the dedication on Sunday [May, 22, 2022] of the National Votes for Women Trail marker for Hester Jeffrey at Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on Clarissa Street in Rochester.
(Image: Mary-Kay Belant) Jeffrey marker with Rev. Derrill Blue, Colleen Hurst (Susan B. Anthony Home), Robin Nowell (Church Historian, a.k.a. Hester Jeffrey), Judith Wellman (NCWHS)
We are so, so glad to see Mrs. Jeffrey receive this honor. As a nationally important woman suffragist, club woman, friend of Susan B. Anthony (she raised money for several stained glass memorial windows, including the first public monument to SBA after her death), and a key member of AME Zion Church, Mrs. Jeffrey was a nationally important figure, whose influence reached far beyond our own region.
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this marker a reality, including members of Memorial AME Zion Church under Rev. Derrill Blue, Arneska Harvey, Susan Goodier for her research, Robin Nowell (who re-enacted Mrs. Jeffrey at the marker dedication), representatives of the Susan B. Anthony Home, and so many others.
(Image: Mary-Kay Belant) Jeffrey marker with Rev. Derrill Blue, Professor Susan Goodier, Robin Nowell, Judith Wellman
Attached is an article from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle announcing the dedication. April Franklin, from WXXI public radio, also attended the dedication. Stay tuned for her story!
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle article
It has been an honor to work with you all.
Gratefully yours,
Judy Wellman