from the series Tales from Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery…
Number 236 in a Series
By SUE HUNTER WEIR
June 7, 2025. It was a beautiful day in the Neighborhood. It was a day for celebrating the bravery and resilience of four people who endured unimaginable hardship during their lifetimes before they escaped from slavery and ran towards freedom. It was a day for remembering Woodford Anderson, Charles Broden, William Goodridge, and Hester Patterson.
In Pursuit of Social Justice
Elyse Hill made this event possible. She specializes in African-American Genealogy and wrote the Nomination for the Cemetery’s listing on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. She was our first speaker and was followed by three other women who have dedicated their lives and careers to the pursuit of social justice: The Honorable Judge LaJune Lange, Deputy Chief Operations Saray Garnett-Hochuli, and County Commissioner Angela Conley, who fight the good fight every day.
Appreciation
It was also a day for giving thanks to the many people who made this event possible. The Hennepin History Museum’s brilliant staff, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery are known, among other things, for their outstanding work with educators and young people. Jack Rainey, the organization’s Treasurer, represented the Museum at the event. The alley newspaper, one of our earliest supporters, which has been publishing “Tales from the Cemetery” since September 2003. Kevin Bohdan, the Cemetery’s Caretaker, who maintains and preserves this precious space. Friends of the Cemetery’s Volunteers who are always present, always working. A special thank you to Harry DeWilde, long-time Phillips resident, who made the beautiful wayfinding signs for the four nominees, and to Sarah Musgrave, long-time Friends of the Cemetery Volunteer, for creating an Audio Tour for the nominees and for ten African-American Civil War vets. And to the many friends and family members who share their stories and keep memories alive.
“Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells the Story”
Our work is by no means done and there are so many stories yet to be told. If you haven’t yet visited the Hennepin History Museum (www.hennepinhistory.org) or the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (www.maahmg.org), they are well worth a visit. And don’t forget to visit the Cemetery; open 8:30 to 3:30, Wednesday through Sundays, from April 15th until October 15th. The Audio Tour of the Cemetery is still available: stop by the Caretaker Cottage Office for a map to get you started.
