Maryland Civil Rights News

Riverside School Renamed In Honor Of City Native T. Morris Chester, Famed African American Civil War-Era Journalist, Attorney And Civil Rights Activist

Harrisburg, PA—One of Harrisburg’s most famous African American forefathers was recognized today by Mayor Stephen R. Reed and the Harrisburg School District as the Riverside Elementary School at 3219 Green Street was renamed the Thomas Morris Chester School, Mayor Reed today announced. Joining the Mayor and school district officials in the formal dedication ceremonies were surviving descendants of the famed journalist, attorney and early civil rights leader.

“Thomas Morris Chester was arguably one of Harrisburg’s most renowned native sons,” said Mayor Reed, “and sadly, few citizens have ever even heard of him today. Whether in education, civil rights, military command and even international diplomacy, Thomas Morris Chester of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was the first person of color to ever hold such positions of regard and status in our nation. He was in many respects one of the founders of America’s civil rights movement, and today his legacy of accomplishment and contribution is forever memorialized at a location where this city’s, state’s and nation’s future leaders and citizens will be taught.”

Reed said the Riverside Elementary School was first built in 1906, and has been a focal point for educational innovation ever since. The school hosts grades 3 through 7 and has 10 classrooms and other academic space. The 18,882 sq. ft. building houses 130 students and 18 administrators and faculty.

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Dr. Gerald A. Kohn said that It is vitally important that we provide our students with inspirational examples of African American leadership and accomplishment. His is a story of skill, hard work, vision, and determination, and how anyone, regardless of circumstance, can rise to heights of fame and accomplishment.”

Joining the Mayor and Dr. Kohn at the dedication was noted Harrisburg historian Calobe Jackson, who for many years has served as one of the city’s foremost experts on Chester and city African American history. Jackson led the effort to restore Chester’s gravesite at the Lincoln Cemetery in nearby Penbrook in 2002.

Nearly two dozen descendants of Chester were special guests of honor at today’s dedication services, and they presented school principal Roma Benjamin with a special portrait of Chester that will be permanently displayed in the school’s lobby.

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	A target number of qualified women, minorities or persons with disabilities hired and advanced within a given period of time through an Affirmative Employment Program.