In 1984, this sacred ground also re-united deeply buried black ancestral roots severed for two generations by the pressures of America's racism. After years of searching for her suspected African American ancestry, Van Rensalier's genealogical journey led her to this same Bridge Street to freedom. In her prologue, she describes her pride, emotions and legacy in discovering her great grandfather William was not only black, but a black abolitionist. "I understood why Huntoon and Van Rensalier were abolitionists, and why I was their bridge on this street to freedom. For my children, for my country, for humanity, I too had to keep fighting what had enslaved my black and white ancestors...my family and the psyche of our nation." In 1994, Van Rensalier's extensive research and appeal essay, now part of this book, eventually became the bases for the site's preservation.
Dr. Alaya, Italian American professor of literature and cultural history at Ramapo College, was also chair of Paterson's Historic Preservation Commission during the period of most intense public debate over this Underground Railroad site in 1995. She thus played an active and influential part in the public process by which Van Rensalier and the African American community saved this sacred ground from insensitive development as a fast food franchise. Her account of the complex story behind the story underscores the power of both racial cooperation and community resolve in preserving African American culture.
