A school for children of slaves and free people of color in New York City. It was founded by members of the New York Manumission Society (an organization that advocated the full abolition of African slavery), including Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, on November 2, 1787. Many of its alumni became leaders in the African-American community in New York.
George Thomas Downing,The first school George attended was held by Charles Smith on Orange Street; he next studied at Mulberry Street School, also known as the African Free School.
John Jay, Member of the New York Manumission Society