What was created to shed light on the economic impact African Americans hold on society, was met yesterday in anguish, as black, white, Hispanic, Muslim, Jews and Christians stood together at the African Burial Ground monument in lower Manhattan to denounce acts of hate.
The monument, outside 250 Broadway, was desecrated recently with hateful graffiti reading ““kill n*****s,” and although it has since been washed clean, those assembled faced not only the defamation of African history but the very culture of New York. Moisture consumed the air and the grounds. Rain threatened to fall at any moment, Still this did not deter folks from assembling against the hateful act, which came perhaps ironically as the first Monday in November signifies the 1969 induction of Black Solidarity Day.
“The African Burial Ground stands as a reminder of the racist history of our City that we might otherwise too easily forget, of an entire people enslaved and subjugated even in death,” said City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood). “Defacing this memorial with vile hate, with a call to violence, shows that we have not moved as far past that history as many would like to believe. Hatred and bigotry have never been erased from our country or our city, only retreating into the shadows at times. On Black Solidarity Day and all days, I call on members of all communities to stand together in condemnation and defiance of hatred and the forces that propel it.”
African Burial Ground architect Rodney Leon noted the burial ground is near the courthouses and reflected back to the initial building of the monument, which signifies the lost culture of many African Americans both enslaved and free, who for so long laid buried beneath the feet of the very judicial system “we as New Yorkers seem to be at odds with today.”
“The African Burial Ground National Monument serves to educate current and future generations about the extreme sacrifices and profound contributions made by enslaved African descendant communities to the building of our great city and country,” said Leon. “We are at a critical time in our history. It is contingent upon all of us to reinforce, maintain, expand upon and protect the legacy of the African Burial Ground for future generations in the face of current and future challenges.”
City Council Majority Leader, Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) noted the African Burial Ground monument represents the painful history of racism and slavery in the city and the country.
“To see it defaced with racist vandalism is devastating and yet another reminder that hate is still very much alive. We must continue to acknowledge and honor our history-the good and the bad-and not let fear silence us. In spite of the challenging national environment, we can and we will do better. I stand in solidarity with all of those who are currently living under threat of violence. I will continue to make my voice heard loud and clear in combatting racism, fostering community, and building a safer New York City for future generations,” said Cumbo.
City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, East Flatbush, Crown Heights) said that although some individuals choose to demonstrate hate, not only with violence, but with cowardly words, the city and country is built from resilience and love.
“In washing these words away we will see the spirit of a people rise with strength, and a stronger sense of community. The cameras will capture this spirit and action; we will leave no other choice,” said Ampry-Samuel.
City Council Member and the Council Jewish Caucus Chair Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) said the entire Jewish Caucus stands united with the African American population in New York City against this hateful act.
“The African Burial Ground Monument stands as a tribute to all who fought for equality and rights for African-Americans, and as a memorial to those who were enslaved. We are dismayed that bias incidents are becoming all too common here in New York City, and we condemn acts of hate and divisiveness against people of all races, religions, ethnicities, and identities. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” said Deutsch.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams offered $1,000 in reward money from his personal account to anyone who would provide tips leading to the arrest of the vandal.
