Harlem, NY
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative (HABGI) have selected Bridge Philanthropic Consulting (BPC) as the lead consultant for the education and engagement services around the history and cultural impact of the historic Harlem African Burial Ground.
The historic colonial burial ground of former slaves is located within the site of the decommissioned 126th Street Bus Depot in East Harlem on 126th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. The NYCEDC has worked for more than a decade–in partnership with HABGI and its predecessor, the Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force–to develop a vision and goals for the memorialization of the Harlem African Burial Ground and revitalization of the bus depot site. The site is also part of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ “24 in 24” plan that aims to advance 24 affordable housing projects on public sites in 2024 that will ultimately create or preserve over 12,000 units of housing.
Through an 18-month education and engagement campaign, BPC will work alongside Harlem Cultural Archives and NYCEDC to deliver high-quality community events and raise awareness at a local, regional, and national supporters to restore honor, dignity, and respect to those buried at this sacred site. The education and engagement effort will happen in coordination with the robust archaeological work on the Harlem African Burial Ground to ensure that new information can be incorporated into community engagement.
“The Harlem African Burial Ground is a vital piece of New York’s past. We look forward to working with BPC to preserve and honor the lives of those buried here while emphasizing the importance of an inclusive public history,” said Maria Torres-Springer, deputy mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce.
