Tehran Almasi Reflection

Tehran Almasi
@02618922

My trip to the ancient burial ground was very informative. To begin with, that was my first trip to New York so I was excited by that fact. But when I got there I was overwhelmed by a since of pride. To know that my people were once standing and buried in the exact place I was standing. And they were still aware of where they came from in Africa was amazing to me. And even though it may have seemed like the remains were found on accident I do not believe it was. I'm happy to know that our people will not be forgotten. The part that Howard University played burial ground was a part that I do not believe would have been right. Howard being known as the "Mecca" makes is the most appropriate place for our ancestors to have been documented. The memorial that was visible was only a fraction of what is believed to be the complete burial ground. There are believed to be as many as 10,000 of our ancestors buried within a few acres. But the heart wrenching discovery was that most of the bodies buried in the burial ground were children. This could have been due to malnutrition and different illnesses, but it is still sad. After leaving the burial ground we spent a few hours in Harlem. In my time in Harlem I walked around and got to see the New York culture. Overall the trip to the African Burial Ground is one that I will be sure to take my children. Every generation needs to be aware of there ancestors.

Michael Carney

It all started early Saturday morning, very sluggish like and slowly climbing out my bed i thought to myself was this trip truly worth it. I was very excited when I arrived to the bus and realized I was actually going to New York. My mind wondered what the African Burial Ground truly is and so many more interesting facts incorporated. However, the thought of a boring museum was still in the back of my head. Arriving I looked up to this tall government building with astonishment. We walked down the sidewalk an outside burial ground of 4 slaves in particular. I looked on imagining the life theses innocent people lived and the symbolic meaning. Next Dr. Carr dropped water on the burial ground and explained he significant meaning of this particular ceremony. Next there was this symbol engraved in this marble structure. One end was a door shaped opening and you walked through this narrow end on the other side. This was explained as “The Door of No Return”. After we looked at many symbols and the different meanings of each. The tour was moved inside to this amazing replica of the African burial ground and pictures of the site when they dug out the slaves. The journey was amazing and I will always remember this trip, I thank College of Arts and Sciences for bringing us and allowing us to experience this life changing site.  

Arick D. Scott's Reflection

Growing up, I've never been truly fond of visiting museums and exhibits. However, history has always held my undivided attention and I find facts about ancient lifestyles to be captivating and mind-boggling. When I was ever confronted with the subject of historical slavery, I would somewhat overlook the topic and convince myself that many cultures have endured slavery in their past. I never really realized how connected I was with my late ancestors. These enslaved individuals were more than property and a labor force. African slaves had to endure years upon years of mistreatment, abuse, and cultural deprivation. I began to realize that my ancestors have an immediate and direct influence on my life and I, consequently, carry the burden of legacy. In a way, I feel like I am obligated to succeed and to glorify the trials of my ancestors. After visiting the African burial ground, I was reminded of my objective and all-time purpose. To see the markings on the walls and to envision the suffering of the African people actually rejuvenated my burning ambition to strive above stereotypes and racism. I desire to become a prime example of African American success without sacrificing my identity and culture. Being inside that slaveship replica, helped me understand how cramped living conditions were for traveling slaves. One would think that the ships were gigantic and suited to house humans, but, in all actuality, these were normal ships, built to carry cargo. Slaves were simply cargo, cheap goods, property. I refuse to be any man's property and this trip to Manhattan reminded me of my duties. I didn't ride with the main group, but instead I rode with my friends for 5 hours, as opposed to 4, because someone shouldn't have volunteered as the navigator if they sucked at directions. But I am glad that I had the chance to experience it all. I definitely needed a simple reminder in life.

AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND charles harris

I was very excited to be apart of the African burial ground tour in New York Cities lower borough of downtown Manhattan. On the bus ride there I was very excited thinking this will be a great site to see. Once we got to new York city, we were forced to go through metal detectors which I later learned was because the building the burial ground is placed is a federal building with other  federal offices. Once arriving to  site we got off the bus and saw 8 tombs in the front of the building  these tombs. Next to the tomb is a peace of art work it’s a piece that is half a pyramid to tell us that we have to finish what our ancestors started. Also the art work had and opening to be the door of no return witch shows where the slaves left there country the door is faces east to become the DOOR OF RETURN. When you enter the other side of the piece it becomes a ship front. Once we got inside we were met by a park ranger which was a howard alum. The first thing that caught my eye was the scalpers of people being a family  symbolizing a typical African burial, also we watched a video that showed used how a typical burial went. The last thing we did was seeing actual photos and videos of the discovery of the burial ground and how it became what it is today in almost not be able to be preserved. The whole trip was mind blowing and changed my life forever Im glad I was apart of it.