5 Boros to Freedom will celebrate New York’s African American heritage with programs in each of the five boroughs from June 5 to 16. They will highlight Pinkster themes of self-reliance, supporting others, self-assertion, and community. Pinksterfest was originally a religious holiday brought to New York City by Dutch colonists. Africans in the colony transformed it into Pinkster, an African festival enjoyed by Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans, enslaved and free.
Pinkster allowed for creation of a social space and communal identity. Sadly, it was banned in New York State in 1811 out of fear that gatherings brought together large numbers of celebrants in one location at one time.
5 Boros to Freedom wants to revive and renew this community celebration, honoring the communal ancestors, paying tribute to their fortitude and courage, and drawing strength from them. It was initiated by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, which seeks to link yesterday with today so that we can build a better tomorrow. Underground Railroad History Project - NYC extends the outreach and connects the transformative impact of its work into New York’s five boroughs.
While Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, New York has hosted Pinkster celebrations since the 1980s and Crailo Historic Site has hosted Pinkster celebrations since 2015, 5 Boros to Freedom looks to expand the Pinkster experience and reclaim a forgotten piece of New York State history. Activist and independent historian John Derek Norvell argues that “The body may have been enslaved but not the creativity or the soul or the spirit, and we need to honor that. Pinkster does that.”
The tentative schedule for 5 Boros to Freedom with days and times includes:
Renaming PS 9 as Sarah Smith Garnet School – a celebration honoring Sarah Smith Garnet, the first African-American woman to serve as a New York City public school principal will take place on June 3 at 11am at Prospect Heights Elementary School located at 80 Underhill Avenue, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn 11238.
Schenck Park African Burial Ground is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4 at 2 PM behind the New Lots Library. Schenck Park is named after the Schenck family, one of the largest enslaving families in colonial Kings County. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was an African burial ground. Assemblyman Charles Barron and City Councilwoman Inez Barron have pioneered efforts to have the site officially recognized. Met at MLE Learning center, 613 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207. Contact coordinator Alan Singer at catajs@hofstra.edu.
New York and Slavery Walking Tour on Wednesday, June 5 at 10 AM in Lower Manhattan starting at 1 Police Plaza. High school students from the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens will be tour guides. Elementary, middle and high school classes are invited to participate. Contact coordinator Alan Singer at catajs@hofstra.edu.
A Seneca Village walking tour is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from 10 AM to 11:30AM. Meet at 85th and Central Park West Mariner's gate. Families are welcome.
Remember the Forgotten: A Walking Tour of Hunt's Point Slave Burial Ground, is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from 12noon-3PM. This family friendly tour begins at PS 48, the Joseph Rodman Drake School at 1290 Spofford Ave, Bronx, NY 10474.
Staten Island: Liberty's Gateway, is a presentation scheduled to be given on Saturday, June 8 at noon and 2 PM at Staten Island Museum located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. This presentation will focus on the readings of Slave Narratives.
A walking tour is scheduled for Trinity Church, Isaac Hopper House and St. Mark's in the Bowery on Sunday, June 9 from 1PM – 3PM beginning at 131 E. 10th near 2nd Avenue. Families are welcome.
A tour to be held on Monday, June 10 at 12 noon at Plymouth Church. Plymouth Church is located at 57 Orange St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. A suggested donation of $5 per adult is requested. Please visit http://www.plymouthchurch.org/history-tours for more details.
Garrett’s Gift, a family friendly animated film shares the inspiring story of African American inventor Garrett Morgan. This smart animation introduces African American inventor Garrett Morgan who, same as Latimer, was born to former slaves. It highlights significant achievements by African Americans and discusses where ideas come from. Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, June 16 at 3 PM Lewis Howard Latimer House Museum located at 34-41 137th Street, Queens, NY 11354. Tours Registration on Eventbrite.com is requested for this free event. Visitors will be able to tour the Latimer House and exhibits.
Additional 5 Boros to Freedom information available at www.facebook.com/5BorostoFreedom/ and at http://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/events-calendar/
Follow Alan Singer at https://twitter.com/reecespieces8
