Toastmasters present Marquis de Lafayette history; library to host March program

Members of Lafayette Toastmasters and the American Friends of Lafayette presented a short history of the Marquis de Lafayette during the City Council public-input period and announced an upcoming program at the Lafayette Public Library.

A club representative introduced a multi-session project reporting on Lafayette’s namesake and his 1824–25 tour of the United States. The speaker said the group has been presenting historical ‘‘moments’’ and will present a program at Lafayette Library on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the library’s Fayette Learns series.

The presenter described Lafayette as an opponent of slavery and cited his association with James Armistead Lafayette, who served as an intelligence operative during the Revolutionary War and later won his freedom with assistance to secure a testimonial and petition. The presentation said Lafayette had advocated anti‑slavery positions in his writings and conversations with American leaders during his 1824–25 visit.

"Lafayette, we are here," the presenter said, using a phrase the club has adopted in its local messaging. The presentation urged awareness of Lafayette’s abolitionist record and invited residents to attend the March library event for more detail.

The council thanked the speakers and noted that presentation materials were distributed to members.