(September 4, 2024) The Rochester City School District proudly celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official renaming of Charles Carroll School No. 46. The school is now named in honor of Austin Steward.
In February 2024, the Rochester Board of Education voted to name/rename seven of its schools for the 2024 – 2025 school year, as part of the District’s comprehensive school reconfiguration plan. The decision reflects the District’s ongoing efforts to remove the names of slaveowners and segregationists.
An African American abolitionist and author, Austin Steward escaped slavery around age 21 and settled in Rochester, NY, where he started a successful meat market and general store. Mr. Steward championed economic, political, and social equality through his writings and lectures.
“The School No. 46 community is thrilled to be associated with this incredible man who demonstrated strength, optimism, acceptance, and resilience throughout his life,” said Dr. Gina DiTullio, Principal of School No. 46. “Austin Steward was a role model for all of us showing that through grit, determination, and a willingness to believe in yourself and your capacity to do difficult things, anything is possible.”
The District will celebrate similar ribbon-cutting events this school year as it opens four new middle schools and one new high school.
