This educational curriculum package is the product of a five-year labor of love. Beginning in 2011, several educators, history enthusiasts and social activists coalesced around the charismatic Horace Seldon. Horace was finishing a long local career in social work, years with the National Parks Service, Boston, and as one of the founders of the social service organization Community Change. He was intent upon pursuing a historical research project which he had been contemplating for some time. The resultant group, led by Horace Seldon, then embarked on a research and reading circle exploring the hidden history of the Boston antebellum African American community situated on the North Slope of Beacon Hill and in the area immediately adjacent to the current Boston City Hall Plaza. The work began by investigating legendary author, activist and Beacon Hill resident David Walker. It has since grown organically into a full-fledged historical reclamation project, the results of which we now share with you.

Being educators, we have naturally gravitated to exploring avenues which facilitate promoting civic engagement and self-actualization, both in the classroom and for lifelong learning. This enterprise reflects that perspective and energizing prospect. We are currently in discussion with the Mayor's Office of Diversity about bringing this project to City Hall Plaza as an integral part of the upcoming 400'h anniversary celebration of the founding of Boston. Roxbury Community College is honored to have been given the opportunity to create a digital curriculum platform to dispense information and inspire enthusiasm for history across the commonwealth, a history which surrounds us but remains invisible to many residents and tourists. It is our intention to combine an interdisciplinary approach using the latest in technological innovations, artistry and networking to share this compelling narrative, illuminating not only the lessons of the past, but the durability of a community preparing for a future of multiple challenges and inconvenient truths.