The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet

The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet

February 12th at 12PM

VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_38fJcqoyR6GGgZo74Rq6JA

As a cemetery for free and enslaved Africans from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, the Harlem African Burial Ground is a sacred site of New York City’s early history, and yet for decades the site was forgotten and disrespected. Through tireless research and advocacy, community advocates brought this history to light, and now the New York City Economic Development Corporation is leading efforts to properly memorialize and honor the people buried there. Join the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative and NYCEDC in conversation to learn about this crucial history, the role of urban planning in historic preservation, and the vision for the future memorial, cultural education center, and mixed-use project planned for the site.

Agenda:

• Remarks from Sharon Wilkins, Manhattan Borough Historian Emerita (20 min)
• What is the history of this site?
• How was the site rediscovered?
• What is the importance of memorializing this site? What does it reveal about the city’s history?
• Presentation from EDC (20 min)
• How did EDC’s partnership with the Initiative begin and evolve? How can advocates and government work together?
• What is the role of urban planning in historic preservation and memorialization?
• Moderated Q&A (20 min)

This program is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, through the DutchCulture USA FUTURE 400 program of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York.