
[photo credit: John Brown: America250]
Organized by Altadena Heritage’s Owen Brown Committee and The John Brown Project, this roundtable holds particular local significance for Altadena. It ties the national historical figure of John Brown to the community through his son, Owen Brown, whose gravesite is a local landmark. The event underscores a broader national initiative to re-evaluate the legacy of the Brown Family, fostering a deeper connection between local history and the ongoing national dialogue on freedom and equality.
The distinguished panel features Louis A. DeCaro Jr., Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Church History at Alliance Theological Seminary and a noted biographer of John Brown. He is joined by Margaret Washington, Ph.D., the Marie Underhill Noll Professor of American History at Cornell University, and Shawndel Fraser, M.A., an environmental psychologist and interdisciplinary artist. Their combined expertise will offer a multifaceted perspective on the roles these women played, challenging conventional historical interpretations and celebrating their often-unacknowledged bravery and intellect.
This virtual gathering is the second in the “John Brown: America250” roundtable series, building on previous discussions to foster a comprehensive understanding of the abolitionist era. It serves as a vital platform for academic discourse and public engagement, inviting participants to explore the intricate connections between historical figures and contemporary social justice movements. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
“Virtual Roundtable — John Brown & Abolitionist Women” will run on Monday, March 16 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom or visit https://www.johnbrown250.org/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email. Admission is free. Registration required.


