Introducing the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Community Awards

This year, Caz Life is proud to announce the introduction of the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Awards, which will be presented at our annual Community Celebration: Spooky Soirée. These awards honor individuals who have made a profound impact on the Cazenovia community, embodying the spirit of dedication, passion, and selflessness that makes our town so special.

Who Was Ezra Greenleaf Weld?

Ezra Greenleaf Weld, a Cazenovia resident in the late 1800s, was not just a photographer but a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. His legacy is intricately tied to one of the most significant events in American history: the Fugitive Slave Convention of 1850, held right here in Cazenovia, NY.

This historic gathering, the largest of its kind, brought together over 2,000 attendees, including prominent figures like Frederick Douglass and Gerrit Smith, along with 50 fugitive slaves. The convention was a powerful statement against the Fugitive Slave Law, which criminalized the act of escaping slavery and aiding those who did. Ezra Greenleaf Weld’s famous daguerreotype, capturing the group at the convention, remains a powerful testament to the courage and resolve of those who fought for freedom and justice.

Weld’s commitment to using his art to document and influence social change is a source of inspiration for the awards that bear his name. Each year, the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Awards will honor those who have made unique and lasting contributions to our community. These individuals share a love for Cazenovia’s natural beauty, its vibrant businesses, and the wellbeing of its people. They are dedicated to preserving the town’s heritage while enhancing its future.

The Award Categories

1. Visionary Persistence This award celebrates those who imagine a Cazenovia that has yet to be realized. These dreamers look beyond existing norms and work tirelessly to turn their visionary ideas into reality. Their contributions shape the community in ways that benefit generations to come.

2. Professional Excellence Cazenovia thrives on the dedication of professionals who not only excel in their fields but extend their expertise to benefit the broader community. This award honors those whose professional endeavors contribute significantly to Cazenovia’s success and quality of life.

3. Unsung Heroics This award recognizes those who work quietly and selflessly for the betterment of the community. These individuals do not seek the spotlight; they are motivated purely by a love for others and a desire to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.

Vote online and nominate Caz community members deserving of this years' Greenleaf Award

A Night of Celebration

Join us at the Spooky Soirée as we honor the first recipients of the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Awards. It will be an evening filled with music, entertainment, and the celebration of the people who make Cazenovia an extraordinary place to live, work, and play. We hope to see you there as we acknowledge those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the betterment of our community. Let’s come together to celebrate our community’s achievements and be inspired by those who continue to make Cazenovia a place we are all proud to call home.