When I heard that construction of towers in Manhattan was halted because the remains of enslaved people were discovered, I was all ears. Fascinated by the story, I hopped on the A-train to 290 Broadway and found myself amidst a crowd led by wonderful drummers. That’s how I first learned about the African Burial Ground. This Juneteenth, I returned for the full story.
Please if you know the name of the singer, share it in the comments. His name was not on the program and I can’t remember it.
It was a beautiful day in New York when the program began with a Libation performed by Cyril Innis Jr., accompanied by the drummers of Nubian Messengers. As “Lift Every Voice and Sing” started, everyone who knew the lyrics joined in, creating a beautiful performance that set the stage for a great celebration.
Professor Laurie Woodard then engaged the crowd by asking what we knew about our history. Her interactive storytelling captivated us all and revealed a few knowledgeable history buffs in the audience—I wasn’t one of them. From the arrival of enslaved Black people in the city to the founding of Abyssinian Baptist Church, the first African American church, the professor covered it all. The more you listened, the more you realized how little you knew and how much more there is to learn.
Ranger Ramon Mangual, who led the ceremony, mentioned numerous times that it wasn’t raining but it was getting quite hot. Despite the beautiful scenery, sitting there for hours without any shade or coverage was a bit too much. Sammulous‘s musical performance was outstanding, but like many, I needed a break from the heat. We were all grateful for the dry weather, but many sought refuge under the trees or in the air-conditioned museum.
Lunch Break
For refreshments and lunch, I found a place called the Hummus & Pita Co on Chambers. Since it was a holiday, the place was mostly empty. After enjoying a gyro platter, a man walked in asking for money. I never carry cash (my brother always tells me I should), so I offered him my leftovers. I had just packed them and was looking forward to enjoying them the next day, but the man must have been hungry and gratefully accepted them. It got a little awkward when he tried to hug me to thank me, but he soon left and it was okay.
Shortly after, one of the women working there checked on me, which was nice, and then the manager came by and offered me a new plate. It was a nice gesture, so I finally accepted and took a whole new plate home. Yum! Sometimes, it really does pay off to help people. LOL.
Back to the Program
Refreshed and with food in my stomach, I was right on time to see the dance performance by Torch Dance Theatre. It was amazing! The music, the movement, the scenery—it was a mesmerizing performance. After a well-deserved loud applause, the Nubian Messengers took over, beating their drums to signal the end of the performances and to get us ready for the tours with Ranger Emily.
Memorial Tour
The first stop was the Memorial Tour of 290 Broadway. There are five pieces of art that cover the history of African Americans and the burial ground. From the African woman statue to the mural, you have to see them for yourself and have a guide explain them because words can hardly do them justice.
Unearthed
Unearthed, a Sculpture by Frank Bender
The piece that touched me the most is “Unearthed,” a sculpture by Frank Bender. The three human beings holding hands are moving in every way. The faces of a man, a woman, and a child symbolize the uncovering of buried truths and the rekindling of lost identities. These faces, recreated based on forensic science, are as real as it gets. This piece invites viewers to reflect on the lives and stories of those who have been brought back from obscurity, offering a sense of identity and recognition to the once-anonymous faces.
Orientation Tour
The Orientation Tour was the perfect closing to the Juneteenth program. You get the full history of the African Burial Ground. From the cemetery it was to the landfill that covered it, to the story that leaked and the African American people who fought tirelessly for the monument and the museum that is now, instead of just a plaque.
It is a true story, it is history that will make you proud. So go see it for yourself if you get a chance: African Burial Ground.
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