Preserving History: Saving A Historic Home

Urgent - New Deadline October 5th

https://www.wmar2news.com/local/90-year-old-that-contributed-to-civil-rights-movement-tries-to-save-her-home

In Harford County, Maryland, an important piece of history is on the verge of being lost. Mrs. Janice Grant, the proud owner of a house that holds important significance to the Civil Rights Movement, is facing the threat of foreclosure. This home hosted Freedom Riders during a tumultuous period in American history when local churches were fearing arson attacks for supporting the group. Mrs. Grant, now a 90-year-old Civil Rights icon, needs our support to preserve this invaluable piece of history.

The foreclosure of the Freedom House was scheduled for August 5th, but the lender has graciously extended the deadline to October 5th, allowing us to raise awareness and gather resources to save this significant piece of history.

We have made significant progress in our efforts so far by raising more than $23,000, but we are only halfway to our goal. Your support is still crucial to make this endeavor a success. By donating today, you can play a vital role in preserving the legacy of the Freedom House and ensuring its continued existence for future generations to learn from and appreciate.

The Freedom House represents a tangible link to the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom and equality. Losing this landmark would be a devastating blow to our collective memory, and it is our responsibility to prevent such a loss.

Please consider donating today. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to securing the necessary funds to save the Freedom House. Together, we can protect this invaluable piece of history and honor the legacy of those who came before us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Friends of Janice Grant and the Freedom House

BACKGROUND:

During the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement faced numerous challenges, such as racial discrimination and voter suppression. It was during this time that Mrs. Grant's home played a pivotal role in shaping history. Notably, the house hosted Freedom Riders, a group of activists who traveled to the South to advocate for racial equality.

One such Freedom Rider was Mickey Schwerner, who was a visitor to the historic home. Mrs. Grant traveled south and joined the ranks of other prominent activists such as Goodman and Chaney, who were determined to register Black citizens to vote. These efforts were met with resistance, but the courage and determination of individuals like Mrs. Grant and the Freedom Riders cannot be understated. Their actions challenged the status quo and pushed for much-needed change in a society burdened by racial inequality. Mrs. Grant barely made it out of Mississippi alive. Unfortunately, Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner did not.

Sadly, Mrs. Grant's house now stands on the brink of foreclosure, leaving this profound piece of history at the mercy of fate. Since her husband's passing four years ago, Mrs. Grant has struggled to maintain the home amidst the presence of squatters and disrepair. Without intervention, the house's rich historical significance risks being forgotten, and future generations will be deprived of an authentic connection to this transformative period in American history.

The preservation of historic landmarks serves to anchor us to the past, providing a tangible reminder of the struggles and triumphs that built the foundations of our present society. Mrs. Grant's home is not merely a physical structure; it is a repository of memories and stories that deserve to be cherished and shared.

In order to prevent the foreclosure of Mrs. Grant's historic home, the community must rally together and take action. We cannot allow this symbol of hope and resilience to be erased from our collective memory. Efforts must be made to secure financial assistance, engage preservation organizations, and raise awareness about the vulnerable state of this cherished piece of history.

Remember, it is through the preservation of our past that we honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us. Let us stand in solidarity with Mrs. Grant, a true hero of the Civil Rights Movement, and make every effort to save this significant piece of history.