Since its incorporation as a village in 1827 and later as a city in 1886, Jamestown has always been home to a Black community. With slavery abolished in New York State on July 4, 1827, Black residents lived as free people from the very beginning of Jamestown’s history. In fact, Black families in Jamestown were landowners and business owners decades before slavery was abolished nationwide in 1865.
Yet, despite this deep and enduring presence, the stories of Jamestown’s early Black community—and those who followed—remain largely under documented and underexplored. When these histories have been told, they have too often been filtered through white voices rather than reflecting the lived experiences of the Black community itself.
The Chadakoin Valley Project was created to change that. Its mission is to preserve and share Jamestown’s Black history through the voices of those who lived it. By centering authentic perspectives, the project ensures this history is not only remembered but also honored—even in the name itself. The title pays tribute both to Chadakoin Park, which has long served as a gathering place for the Black community, and to the Valley Striders, a track club founded by Black residents that later gave rise to the Chautauqua Striders. The story of the Valley Striders, however, has largely been forgotten—until now. It is these stories, and this history, that the Chadakoin Valley Project seeks to bring to light for future generations.
This work is ongoing. Local organizations, including the Fenton History Center, are partnering with community members to collect oral histories, preserve archival records, and create spaces for dialogue.
In the months ahead, the Chadakoin Valley Project will begin sharing these stories so the community can recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black residents past and present. To learn more, get involved, or support this work, please contact Patricia Graves at Janel.Graves@gmail.com. Together, we can ensure this essential history is preserved, honored, and passed on to future generations.
Please join us on Saturday, October 25, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at the James Prendergast Library to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. Everyone is welcome!
