Prior to 1865 it was against the law to teach a slave to read or write, and for more than a century Liberty African Americans lived, as other blacks in America, under the law of “separate but equal education.” When the Civil War ended, African Americans first attended a private school located on West Mill for black and Indian children in the home of Mrs. Laura Armstrong, a liberal white. Later during this period, Mrs. Lucretia Robinson opened her home on North Water Street for the private tutoring of blacks. The third school was located in the Old Rock Church from 1875-79 which stood on the hill near the present site of Garrison.
The Clay County African American Legacy Inc. (CCAAL Inc.) was founded in 2000 during the Kansas City 150th annual "Celebration of the Heart.” The primary focus of the organization is improving the quality of life for its citizens by educating adults, and especially youth, of the cultural diversity that exists in the Northland.
Tours are by appointment only; contact via phone or email robinsonc@william.jewell.edu.
Contact Information
502 N Water Street
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: 816-781-7918
Site Info
Parking
Restrooms
Staffed
Water Fountain
Wheel Chair Accessible
