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OFFICERS
OVERCOMING THE ODDS
African American Entrepreneurs, Pioneers, The Underground Railroad and the Continual March Toward Equality in Lancaster, PA 1780–1950.
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In this program four descendants and relatives of the entrepreneurs and pioneers featured in the program meet to share their memories of their family members who overcame the odds to achieve great success in the Lancaster community, and in some cases, earn world-wide renown. This is an informal presentation recorded on Zoom, brought to you by people who believe in the power that these stories have to foster greater understanding of one another and our shared history. All participants are members of the African American Historical Society of South-Central Pennsylvania.
Watch the video to hear these inspiring first-hand recollections and gain deeper insight into the resilience and achievements of these remarkable individuals.
Kathleen Anderson speaks about her third great grandfather, Thaddeus Henry, Tonsorial Artist.
Mary Groce speaks about her great uncle, Emory Conrad Malick, Pilot, and the first African American to earn an international pilot’s license.
Denise Ewell speaks about her father, “Barney” Ewell, Olympian and Humanitarian.
Nelson Polite, Jr. speaks about his grandfather, Abraham Polite, Sr. and his grandmother, Blanche Polite, both Humanitarians and Civic Leaders.
Narrated by
Zeltha Ellis, narrator
André Ellis, narrator
Celeste Leslie, narrator
The presentation lasts about 1 hour and 17 minutes, and you are welcome to stop and start it as time allows. It is meant to inspire discussion and dialogue. It is appropriate for adults as well as students in upper elementary grades, middle and high school.
It has the potential to address P.D.E. Academic Standards for History ( B,C; A, B, C, D; and A, B, C, D) and Civics Standards, ( A, B, C, D, E; A, B, C, D, E, F; and 5.3.5 F). This was correlated to grade 5 standards.
The PowerPoint was recorded via Zoom in May 2021.
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Support This Work
Programs like Overcoming the Odds are made possible through community support. Your contribution helps us document first-person histories, preserve overlooked narratives, and create free educational content that connects past and present. Donations directly support research, recording oral histories, public programming, and sharing these stories with future generations.
You can also make a check or money order payable to the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and mail it to:
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AAHSSCPA
1400 Harrisburg Pike, Unit #4022
Lancaster, PA 17604-4022
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