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This weekend, ������Ƶ’s Upstate Institute will host a series of events honoring four abolitionists who helped pave the way for freedom.

The celebration will culminate with the induction of John Brown, Lydia Maria Child, Wendell Phillips, and Sojourner Truth into the National Abolition Hall of Fame (NAHOF).

Since 2004, the Upstate Institute, whose mission it is to promote civic engagement between the university and the community, has been an active partner in the event.

Ayanna Williams ’08 will open Saturday’s presentation of the inductees.

Williams, an institute volunteer, is one of a number of ������Ƶ students whose service has been instrumental to the NAHOF.

As part of her institute field service, she helped develop guidelines for nominating inductees into the Hall of Fame and, in turn, gained a deeper understanding of the region’s vital role in abolishing slavery.

In the early 1800s, courageous men and women attempted to escape slavery by retreating to a network of safe houses in central New York — the Underground Railroad. The NAHOF is located in Peterboro, a hamlet northwest of Hamilton, the scene of the first New York State Anti-slavery Society meeting in October 1835.

“It’s been a rewarding experience to work with ������Ƶ students who’ve helped build this organization. I’m amazed with the students; they’re socially conscious, responsive, and motivated,” said Dot Willsey, of the NAHOF.

In addition to honoring abolitionists, the commemoration aims to bring attention to modern battles against injustice around the world.