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Jerry Burrell (Born Jerry Leon Burrell) January 22nd 1942 - July 13th 1978

Jerry Burrell was a African-American Artist and sculptor during the 1970's, who came to Schenectady in 1976. The 1970's held a lot of racial tension due to the power African-Americans gained in Politics, Education and Business. The 1970's were deemed the beginning of the Post Civil Rights Movement and the era of Black Pride. This was Jerry Burrell's time and where he gained most of his current fame and the impact he made into Schenectady's African-American Arts Community.

Jerry Burrell was also tilted Program director and Community Arts Coordinator In the Hamilton Hill Arts Center by the deceased founder Margaret Cunningham, an artist herself who was inspired by African-American artists and Black pride As Community Arts Coordinator, he sought out exposure for many African-American artists through his "Artist of the month" program, also becoming responsible for introducing many African-American Artists to the community. .

He was an Amazing Asset to the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, organizing exhibitions, shows, art festivals and demonstrations while bringing light and pride to African-American artwork and artists. He was considered an art representative to the community, and was active in many communities throughout Schenectady. People considered him a good uplifter in the black art community. He introduced Kwanza to the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in December of 1977 (Kwanza is now a holiday celebrated through the capital region.)

In July of 1978, he became a victim of medical malpractice. Dying to an untreated ruptured appendix, days prior to his death he requested medical help multiple times from the hospital, and was refused, ignored and profiled as a "drug addict" he eventually was admitted into the hospital by demand of Margaret Cunningham's husband, who was a well known doctor at the time. They admitted him, gave him a room and gave him no medical attention, he was found half alive the next morning with an already ruptured appendix, they could do nothing to save him at that current moment, and only could give him medicine to help the pain. he died that day on July 13th due to medical malpractice of racial profiling, in honor of his rich legacy of art and commitment to upbringing the black community, in his honor the community Named a park, an art gallery and a summer program after him to carry on his legacy.