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

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WASHINGTON — We enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Smithsonian Castle, attending an exclusive after-hours viewing of American Aspirations, the landmark exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III as a gift to the nation, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian's most treasured artifacts, each representing defining moments in the nation's history and the enduring ideals of democracy, freedom, and opportunity.

Among the exhibition's highlights are Thomas Jefferson's portable writing desk, used to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776; Harriet Tubman's hymnal; and Senator Daniel Inouye's Medal of Honor, awarded for extraordinary heroism during World War II. These are joined by other remarkable artifacts spanning two and a half centuries of American history.

American Aspirations remains on view at the Smithsonian Castle through July 26, 2026. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the people, events, and ideals that have shaped the American story for 250 years and is part of the Castle's special summer reopening in celebration of the nation's Semiquincentennial.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/740

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Hidden in the heart of today's Lake Ridge community is the remarkable story of Agnewville—also known as Chinntown and Smoketown—a thriving African American community built by the Chinn family after emancipation.

Beginning with Thomas and Mary Jane Chinn and their eight sons, the family purchased nearly 500 acres, creating a vibrant community with homes, a post office, general store, restaurant, gaming hall, and Mount Olive Baptist Church, where generations of the Chinn family are still laid to rest.

Although Agnewville gradually disappeared as transportation routes changed and the area was redeveloped, its legacy lives on through the Prince William County Historical Commission marker that honors the resilience, entrepreneurship, and vision of a family who transformed freedom into opportunity for generations.

Every historical marker tells a story—and this one reminds us that communities can disappear from the landscape but never from history.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/739

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