Historic marker commemorates first African American student

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Albany home is being enshrined in local history along with the legacy of a trailblazing student. The Historic Albany Foundation unveiled a new marker to commemorate the home of Arabella Chapman.

Chapman became the first African American student to cross segregation lines in the city of Albany and to graduate from Albany Public Schools in the 1870s. The recognition is part of a larger plaque program aiming to highlight underrepresented historical figures in Albany.

"Usually, when we think of preservation, we think about preserving the spaces or buildings, but historic Albany is aware of the need to preserve the history of the people that didn't leave those kinds of spaces but mattered to Albany," UAlbany associate professor Kori Graves said.

The home is located on Second Street in the city of Albany.