The SS Columbia and Her Incredible History

When Sarah Elizabeth Ray boarded Steamer Columbia for a graduation cruise on the Detroit River in June 1945, little did she know that her actions that day would transform Michigan and set the stage for the Civil Rights era. Sarah was removed from the vessel owing only to the color of her skin, even though discrimination and segregation were illegal in Michigan. The company operating the vessel appeared to be breaking Michigan law. With the help of Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP, a lawsuit and went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. A decade before Rosa Parks and the bus, Sarah set the stage for and inspired the Rosa Parks circle. In this virtual talk, Introducing Steamer Columbia, guests will hear the story of Columbia which was built-in 1902, reflect on the important civil rights history of the boat, and see an onboard tour of the vessel. Columbia is currently docked in the Buffalo River. See www.sscolumbia.org for more information. For more events like this, become an Untapped New York Insider! https://untappedcities.com/become-a-member/