Memphis Moment: Francis Julius LeMoyne

By Steve Pike

Memphis, TN –

Pennsylvania physician Francis Julian LeMoyne was a committed abolitionist who served as president of the Washington Anti-Slavery Society and later as an agent for the American Anti-Slavery society. His defiance of the Fugitive Slave Act put LeMoyne's personal freedom and fortune at risk. LeMoyne donated $20,000 to a school in Memphis primarily for African Americans. Over 117 years later, the school, now LeMoyne-Owen College, still prepares students for professional careers, leadership, and service.

Memphis Moments is co-produced by the Pink Palace Family of Museums (http://www.memphismuseums.org) and WKNO-FM and airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays during All Things Considered on the WKNO Stations.