NEW YORK — The African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City is a sacred and profoundly important site that preserves one of the oldest and largest known excavated burial grounds in North America for people of African descent.
The burial ground dates back to the 17th century, when New York was still known as New Amsterdam and slavery was an established part of the colony's economy and society. Between the 1630s and 1795, an estimated 15,000 Africans and African Americans were buried in this sacred ground, including enslaved and free people. For generations, this community lived, worked, raised families, worshiped, and contributed to the growth of New York City, even as they endured the harsh realities of slavery, discrimination, and inequality.
The burial ground was largely forgotten and eventually built over as Manhattan expanded. It was rediscovered in 1991 during construction of a federal office building at 290 Broadway. Archaeological excavations revealed the remains of more than 400 individuals, including men, women, and children. The discovery became a landmark moment in the recognition and preservation of African American history in New York and throughout the United States.
In 2006, the site was designated the African Burial Ground National Monument, ensuring that the stories of those buried there would be remembered and honored. The memorial stands as a powerful tribute to their humanity, resilience, and enduring legacy—and as a reminder that the history of America cannot be fully told without acknowledging the contributions and experiences of African people and their descendants.
Visiting this sacred ground was deeply personal and emotional for me. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of honoring those who came before us and making sure their stories are never forgotten. I left with a deeper sense of gratitude, reflection, and responsibility to remember, teach, and tell their stories to the generations yet to come.
📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/741
#AfricanBurialGround #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackHistory #RememberTheAncestors #HistoryMatters #TodaysAdventure #NewYorkCity #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #AmericasNationalParks #TeamKent #KENTCANDO
