Spartanburg Freedom Flag Scholarship Fund
Summary
Spartanburg Freedom Flag Scholarship honors the legacy of the Spartanburg Freedom Flag, known as the Emancipation Parade Flag of 1865. After emancipation, freed African Americans in Spartanburg organized a celebration to thank federal soldiers who enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and presented a hand-sewn American flag to them and their commanding officer, Captain Norris Crossman. Research indicates that Priscilla Young, wife of a prominent Black minister, crafted the flag with help from neighbors, while her husband, Joseph, preserved it until the parade was safely underway. The Youngs led the celebration, and Captain Crossman preserved the flag. The restored flag, one of few surviving artifacts of Spartanburg's African American community after the Civil War, is permanently displayed at Spartanburg County Public Libraries Headquarters. Through this scholarship, descendants of Joseph & Priscilla Young honor the flag’s history and support educational opportunities for students.
Spartanburg Freedom Flag Scholarship honors the legacy of the Spartanburg Freedom Flag, known as the Emancipation Parade Flag of 1865. After emancipation, freed African Americans in Spartanburg organized a celebration to thank federal soldiers who enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and presented a hand-sewn American flag to them and their commanding officer, Captain Norris Crossman. Research indicates that Priscilla Young, wife of a prominent Black minister, crafted the flag with help from neighbors, while her husband, Joseph, preserved it until the parade was safely underway. The Youngs led the celebration, and Captain Crossman preserved the flag. The restored flag, one of few surviving artifacts of Spartanburg's African American community after the Civil War, is permanently displayed at Spartanburg County Public Libraries Headquarters. Through this scholarship, descendants of Joseph & Priscilla Young honor the flag’s history and support educational opportunities for students.
Fund Type
Scholarship
Scholarship
Fund Code
02467
02467