30th Anniversary of the African Burial Ground's Rediscovery

The African Burial Ground’s Rediscovery: 30th Anniversary

Monday, October 4th through Saturday, October 9th, 2021, 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM

 

In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the African Burial Ground’s Rediscovery, the African Burial Ground National Monument will host in-person activities at the outdoor memorial and virtual presentations on our website and social media.

#AFBG30th - The Past Is Always Present
Monday 10/4: Rediscovery
Tuesday 10/5: Archeology
Wednesday 10/6: Activism
Thursday 10/7: Reinterment
Friday 10/8: Identity
Saturday 10/9: Honoring History, Ancestors, Spirituality, Art

Libation Ceremonies, Ranger Presentations, Dancing, Singing, Drumming, Memorial Talks

Single carnations will be available throughout the week to lay on mounds as offerings and index cards will be provided to write messages for the 30th Anniversary Memory Box.

 

Daily Schedule of Events

Monday, October 4, 2021

Theme: Rediscovery

• 11:00 AM— Libation Ceremony with Baba Cyril Innis Jr.
• 11:30 AM— Singing by SAGE of Lewis & Clark Music
• 12:30 PM— Singing by Kristina Nicole Miller
• 1:00 PM— Drumming by Brother Atiba
• 2:00 PM— “Unseen but Unforgotten” Presentation by Ranger Bethany
• 2:30 PM—Memorial Talk
• 3:00 PM—“Unseen but Unforgotten” Presentation by Ranger Bethany
• 3:30 PM— Memorial Talk 

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Theme: Archeology

• 12:00 PM— Drumming by Rodney Fleurimont and Joyce Jones
• 2:00 PM— "Archeology at African Burial Ground" by Ranger Brando
• 2:30 PM— "Archeology at African Burial Ground" by Ranger Brando
• 3:00 PM— Memorial Talk
• 3:30 PM— Memorial Talk 

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Theme: Activism

• 12:00 PM— Drumming by Mwata Nubian, Iyedun Ince and Joyce Jones
• 2:00 PM— “Advocating for Ancestors” Presentation by Ranger Emily
• 2:30 PM— “Advocating for Ancestors” Presentation by Ranger Emily
• 3:00 PM— Memorial Talk 
• 3:30 PM— Memorial Talk 

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Theme: Reinterment

• 11:30 AM— Singing by Kristina Nicole Miller 
• 12:00 PM— Drumming by Mwata Nubian, Iyedun Ince and Joyce Jones
• 2:00 PM— "Rites of Ancestral Return" by Ranger Brando
• 2:30 PM— "Rites of Ancestral Return" by Ranger Brando
• 3:00 PM— Memorial Talk
• 3:30 PM— Memorial Talk 

Friday, October 8, 2021

Theme: Identity

• 11:00 AM— Libation Ceremony with Babalorisha John Mason
• 11:30 AM— Singing by Kristina Nicole Miller
• 12:00 PM— Live Music by Mason’s Jam
• 2:00 PM— “Irrepressible Identities” Presentation by Ranger Emily
• 2:30 PM— “Irrepressible Identities” Presentation by Ranger Emily
• 3:00 PM— Memorial Talk
• 3:30 PM— "Kingdom of Soul" by Uptown Dance Academy 

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Theme: Honoring History, Ancestors,Spirituality, Art 

• 10:30 AM— Libation Ceremony with Baba Cyril Innis Jr. and Drumming
• 11:00 AM—Opening Remarks by Supervisory Park Ranger Jimmy Cleckley
• 11:05 AM— History of the African Burial Ground by Ayo Harrington and Kamau Ware
• 11:20 AM— Singing by SOAR of Lewis & Clark Music
• 11:50 AM— Presentation by Red Hawk Native American Arts Council
• 12:10 PM—Screening of Still I Rise Poetry Fest a Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou
• 2:30 PM—"Black Nutcracker" by Uptown Dance Academy
• 3:30 PM— Memorial Talks by Architect Rodney Leon

Table Stations Present 11am-4pm:

1. Creating African Dolls by Vickie Fremont
2. Educational Exhibits by Gene Peters
3. The Significance of Textiles and Cloth in West/Central African Cultures by Pat Leonard
4. Cultural Museum of African Art Inc, The Eric Edwards Collection 
5. COVID-19 Test/Trace/Vaccination Mobile Unit