Aaron Mossell helped to build the Lockport School District, selling bricks for the school built across from his High Street home. Then he changed it even more when after a five-year struggle his children were allowed to attend that school rather than being forced to attend the one-room school house for "colored" children several miles away, leading to the eventual desegregation of the district.

To honor him, the district considered renaming North Park Junior High School after the 19th century businessman. In the end, it was decided that there are better ways to pay tribute.

The naming committee recommended to the Lockport School Board on Wednesday that the district teach Mossell’s story to district students rather than rename the school on the corner of Passaic Avenue and Green Street. They also suggested honoring him by naming a new driveway after him and/or building a brick and granite memorial in his honor.

Members of the naming committee expressed that - in time - the meaning behind the renaming of the building would be lost, explaining that the current-named district buildings have no meaning to those in the community. With the exception of the high school and North Park, all district schools bear the name of a former person of prominence in the city.

---

Don't miss any updates from East Niagara Post.
Add us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.