Keen Vision for Lower Manhattan Historic Landmark and its Sacred Ground

There are few places that inspire as much passion as the African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan.
It is more than a landmark, NYS Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman told Our Time Press. It is special. Sacred ground.

No one knew that better than ABGMF President Rodney Leon, and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10). Some parts of the monument needed special shoring, so the long-awaited agreement that recognized private-public partnership came right on time.

The National Park Service and the African Burial Ground National Monument, the final resting place for 15,000 free and enslaved New Yorkers, reached a deal that allows the site to channel public donations to the monument’s upkeep — a growing concern.

Thursday evening, December 12 in a building located a few yards from the ABG, Leon and his nonprofit African Burial Ground Monument Foundation (ABGMF) announced the official finalization of its Philanthropic Partnership Agreement with the U.S. National Park Service an U.S. Department of the Interior.

“The Landmark agreement solidifies ABGMF’s role in furthering the mission and vision of the African Burial Ground National Monument,” it was announced. That meant “the preservation, education and promotion of the site” was ensured.
The reaction from city leaders prior to the public announcement was swift, and welcome.

U.S. Rep. Nadler (NY-12) led the fight in the House to establish the African Burial Ground National Monument. He said in an official statement that while he was “proud” of his own work on behalf of “the powerful symbol of the plight of the earliest free and enslaved Africans in New York,” he was grateful for “this partnership.” He added, “We will continue to raise public awareness of the site and the significance of the burial ground to black history in America.”

U.S. Senator Killibrand who co-authored the original bills with Nadler, wrote, “The African Burial Ground National holds historical significance that must be preserved for future generations. The partnership … represents an important step forward in the quest to advance racial equity in New York. I look forward to seeing the educational programs and cultural initiatives that grow out of it.”

NYC councilmember Christopher Marte (NY-1) said, “Today’s announcement represents a monumental step in honoring the rich yet often overlooked history of African Americans in New York City. The African Burial Ground is a sacred space that holds profound historical significance, and this partnership ensures its preservation and the continuation of its educational mission.

I am proud to stand with the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation, the National Park Service, and all those committed to protecting and amplifying the vital piece of our collective heritage. Together, we reaffirm our education to advancing racial equity and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.”

U.S. Goldman (NY-10) noted, “This new partnership between the ABGMF and the National Park Service – years in the making – is critical to the continued funding, operation and maintenance of the African Burial Ground site. The African Burial Ground is one of the most historically important monuments to Black History in New York.

“I am proud to have helped the foundation receive the nonprofit status necessary to enter this partnership, and I will continue to work alongside the foundation – helmed by the monument’s architect Rodney Leon — and the National Park Service in the effort to preserve the history of free an enslaved Africans in New York.”

Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President, said, “I know that the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation will be incredible stewards of the African Burial Ground, preserving the history and educating visitors about the hallowed significance of the monument.

“The National Park Service and Department of the Interior have found a true partner in this work.”
Jumaane Williams, Public Advocate, New York City, stated: “The African Burial Ground, a mass grave of mass suffering, is sacred and fill with historical pain.

The various initiatives within the foundation that include historical education and racial equity are crucial in making sure that the dark past to chattel slavery never repeats itself again. We have a moral obligation to accurately acknowledge the pain of past enslaved people in our city, and the role slavery had in New York’s economy.”

Leon acknowledged the long list of organizations, groups and individuals whose history and association will “not be forgotten,” including the descendants, historians, at the Schomburg and others.

The agreement will help address long-standing maintenance and safety issues that have closed parts of the site at 290 Broadway due to a shortfall in federal funding, according to the office of Rep. Dan Goldman. The New York City Democrat helped the site receive nonprofit status.

ABGMF president Leon said the new opportunity supported his nonprofit’s objectives to “protect and preserve this sacred national legacy.”
According to the National Park Service, the site’s function as a burial ground for Africans in New York dates from the 1630s to 1795 and was rediscovered during excavation work in Lower Manhattan in the early 1990s.

The parks service calls the site “the nation’s earliest and largest African burial ground rediscovered in the United States.” At the moment its star attractions, the Ancestral Chamber, Ancestral Libation Court and Spiral Processional Ramp “are temporarily closed” for upgrading.
“I am hoping to accelerate efforts for repair and maintenance,” said Leon, whose life work includes other historic monuments that need constant watch, like the impressive permanent memorial to the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the United Nations.

“It is a challenge, especially with changes in administration and funding priorities at the National Park Service.”