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Historical Event

Discovery of the African Burial Ground (2021)

In 2021, the African Burial Ground located in New York City was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance as the oldest and largest known burial site of enslaved and free Africans in the United States. This burial ground, uncovered in 1991 during construction projects, serves as a critical reminder of the deep historical ties of African Americans to their ancestral roots and the lasting impacts of slavery.

Why This Matters

The significance of the African Burial Ground lies in its function as a tangible link in the narrative of the Transatlantic Reconnection; it underscores the importance of recognizing and memorializing the African heritage that is foundational to American identity. This site not only embodies the resilience and history of enslaved people but also serves as a bridge for continental African students to understand the shared struggles and histories that unite them with the African American diaspora.