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Community Corner

Pyrrhus Concer's 200th Birthday Celebration

Mr.
Concer (1814-1897) was born a slave in Southampton and died a philanthropist.
He was a highly regarded boat steerer on whaling expeditions and was the first
African American to visit Japan. He left his estate to aid distressed sailors
and the education of Southampton’s schoolchildren. He was Southampton’s most
highly regarded citizen during the 19th century but has been
forgotten today. NYS Assemblyman Fred Thiele has declared March 17th
(his actual birthday) Pyrrhus Concer Day in New York State. A slide talk begins
at 2:00 PM followed by a panel discussion at 3:00 PM. The birthday party begins
at 4:00 PM with live jazz, poetry readings and refreshments.

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