On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Huntoon-Van Rensalier Underground Railroad Foundation hosted its 5th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser at The Brownstone in Paterson, New Jersey. This year’s theme, “Let Freedom and Justice Ring!”, honored the legacy of the Underground Railroad and uplifted the next generation of student leaders.
Guests enjoyed a premium open bar, a delicious dinner buffet, and heartfelt presentations celebrating the Foundation’s mentorship initiative, “The Shoulders We Stand On”, in partnership with Passaic Unified School District in New Jersey. This intergenerational program pairs local “Silver Seniors” with high school seniors for one-on-one, wisdom-filled conversations designed to inspire and empower.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of college scholarships to three graduating high school seniors, all of whom wrote compelling “Shoulders We Stand On’ essays judged by the HV-UGRR Board. 1st place winner, Ahmaad Robinson, received $2,000, 2nd place winner, Ashanti Julmisse, received $1,500, and 3rd place recipient, Jahanna Hicks, was awarded $1,000—all toward their college education. Each honoree will begin college this fall, supported by the Foundation and community.
Founded in 2004, the Huntoon-Van Rensalier Foundation preserves the legacy of Josiah Huntoon and William Van Rensalier, two Underground Railroad conductors who risked their lives aiding enslaved people seeking freedom in the 1850s. Their Paterson site was recognized by the City of Paterson in 1999 and was nationally recognized in 2022 by the U.S. National Park Service’s Network to Freedom.
Latanya West, Managing Editor of the Voice & Viewpoint, was Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, and is a direct descendant of William Van Rensalier. Her mother, Dolores Van Rensalier-Warren, William’s great-granddaughter, founded the HV-UGRR Foundation and was the driving force behind the site’s recognition and memorial site construction. She shared her remarks with the audience via FaceTime from her home in San Diego.
Open daily, the historic site stands near the Great Falls and Hinchliffe Stadium and features a bronze sculpture honoring the bravery of Huntoon and Van Rensalier. As the U.S. National Park Service’s national program manager Diane Miller said, “Each listing holds a unique part of the Underground Railroad story.”
To support scholarships, historic preservation, and community engagement, visit the Foundation’s website at HVUGRR.ORG to help shape our future leaders, and a freer, more just tomorrow.
