Local Author Explores Old New York And "The First Rosa Parks"

Northport, NY — Jerry Mikorenda, a Northport resident, was inspired to tackle a little-known yet fascinating piece of New York history for his first full-length book during his years riding public tranportation into and out of New York City. His book, "America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights" was published in December 2019 by Lyons Press and offers a snapshot into 1854 old New York and the case of Elizabeth Jennings who was attacked while trying to integrate a horsecar and was ultimately represented by future president Chester A. Arthurt in her civil rights case against the city.

What inspired you to take on this subject for your first full-length book?

It’s a great story. Elizabeth’s father invented dry cleaning and became the first African American to receive a US patent. Her mother was an early feminist. The whole family were ardent abolitionists. And then schoolteacher Elizabeth brings a discrimination lawsuit against the powerful Third Avenue Railroad – and wins with Chester Arthur as her lawyer 100 years before Rosa Parks. That whole journey was incredible. The fact that it was forgotten history made me even more determined to tell her story.

How did living on Long Island and in New York inform your interests and the choice of this book topic?

Although the landscape has changed considerably, working in lower Manhattan I walk many of the same streets Elizabeth did. Living on Long Island, you understand how important transportation is and what life without it could be like if you were ever denied access to it. Plus, there are also a lot of great research libraries here and in the city. I’d also say sometimes the subject matter chooses you.

Why do you think this story is relatively little known? Why do you feel this is a story that should be told now?

A lot of things have conspired over the years to keep Elizabeth’s story from the limelight. The largest factor is no direct relatives of hers survived into the 20th century limiting family records, etc. Her story has gained traction recently because our time so closely parallels her own. Civil rights, women’s rights, immigration, birther controversies, and partisan politics are just some of the issues our times have in common with hers.

How do you balance writing a book with having a day job and a busy life?

One way is to manage your time wisely. Spending roughly four hours a day commuting on public transportation made it an ideal environment to write. Some people may look at a routine as a negative thing but if you condition yourself to consistently produce over time it will make a difference. Just six or seven sentences maybe a hundred words over two hours by the end of a year is close to a book, minus editing of course.

Mikorenda will be speaking about the book and topic at two upcoming events, the first in Stony Brook at The Long Island Museum on Feburary 21st at 1 p.m. and then at the Northport Historical Society and Museum on February 23rd also at 1 p.m.