Unsilenced Histories:  The Unexpected Stories of Staten Island's African American Community 

Unsilenced Histories:  The Unexpected Stories of Staten Island's African American Community

 Get ready to be surprised!  This presentation digs deep into Staten Island's hidden history, revealing an African American community teeming with life that thrived here long before the bridge.  We'll travel back to the 17th century, exploring how African Americans helped to shape the Island from its earliest days.  From the Underground Railroad and the Civil War to the Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement, we'll uncover stories of struggle and resilience that challenge the idea of African Americans as newcomers.  Filled with inspiring individuals and forgotten triumphs, this presentation paints a more complete and inclusive picture of Staten Island's past at

Christ Church Parish Hall (76 Franklin Avenue)  

Visit www.tibetanmuseum.org for more information and to reserve a seat

Debbie-Ann Paige is a public historian specializing in local African American history, a co-president and founding member of the Richard B. Dickenson Staten Island Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) and professional genealogist. She is a community history strategist that leads engaging public history forums exploring the historical aspects of race and race relations.

Ms. Paige actively serves on various committees and projects, such as the strategic planning and program committees of AAHGS, the NY & NJ Middle Passage Port Markers Project steering committee, and the Narrative Change Subcommittee of the New Yorkers 4 Reparations Coalition. Additionally, she was appointed to the New York City Council task force that evaluates monuments and historical markers on city-owned property and is also a member of the Collections Committee for both the Staten Island Museum and Historic Richmond Town.

Debbie-Ann has worked on numerous local history projects including: Taking Care: The Black Angels of Sea View Hospital, the Access, Collaboration and Equity in Genealogy (ACEGen) initiative, Women of the Nation Arise!,

and Farm to City, with the Staten Island Museum; In Pursuit of Freedom with the Brooklyn Historical Society;

and she established the“Louis Napoleon House” as a site with the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to freedom on behalf of the Sandy Ground Historical Society. Paige is the creator of the Staten Island African American Heritage Tour App, which is a digital trail of people and places significant to Black history on Staten Island. Debbie-Ann has also showcased her skills

as a historical interpreter on various acclaimed television programs such as Secrets of New York, WITF Toward Racial Justice:

Tracing Family History, and PBS shows like Metrofocus: Juneteenth and Treasures of New York: Snug Harbor. Additionally,

she has been featured as a guest on popular podcasts including Speak on It, Realty Check, Site Unseen, Talk Ain't Cheap,

and All Things Considered.

She holds a BS in Business Studies from Southern New Hampshire University, and both a BA and MA in History from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. She is currently working towards a Doctor of Education in Community-Based Leadership at the College of Staten Island.

The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art  is able to offer today’s program through the support of the

New York City Council Cultural Immigrant Initiative Discretionary Grants provided by City Council Member  Joseph Borelli

and City Council Member David Carr.