Tuesday, January 26th, 6:30 PM at the Elmendorf Reformed Church. The Elmendorf Reformed Church (ERC) Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force will host an informational Town Hall Meeting about the site of New York's second oldest burial ground for Africans in pre-revolutionary America. The "First Church of Haarlem," built its first house of worship at what is now the corner of First Avenue and 127th Street in 1665, and dedicated about a quarter-acre of the property for use as the "Negro Burying Ground," according to the church web site. Today the burial site is mostly covered by the NYCTA 126th Street Bus Depot, and possibly parts of 126th and 127th Streets just west of 1st Avenue.
Community members want to raise awareness and make sure that the government is conscientiously regarding the site since it is in the process of a major infrastructure overhaul. Politicians that will be in attendance include U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel, State Senators Bill Perkins and Jose M. Serrano, City Comptroller John Liu, and Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. The third incarnation of the Elmendorf Reformed Church is at 171 East 121st Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues. The nearest subway is the 4,5,6 train is at 125th Street or 5 train at 116th Street.
it hurts that so much disrespect is still prevelant towards African Americans. I remember the debacle that became the burial grounds downtown the late 90's early 00's. If not for African Americans this country would be nothing. Who picked the cotton and tabacco that got processed in the industrial north for sale all over the world...hmmmm...and this is the respect that's shown??? outrageous!!! other than making a fool of himself and a shame of his career, what is Charlie Rangel doing lately? Charlie, retire before you ruin your own legacy. Shameful!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMaggie,
ReplyDeleteWith regret, I have to inform you that slavery didn't exist in countries such as Germany and Sweden, and they are still powerful nations. Blacks contributed tremendously to this country and have not been recognized to the magnititude at which they merit. However, many other people contributed and were still discriminated i.e. the Irish and Jews, who were white.