The history of communities and cultures is often etched in the very grounds they inhabit. This is especially true for marginalized groups whose stories are frequently overlooked or erased. This article delves into two distinct yet interconnected narratives: the rediscovery of the Harlem African Burial Ground in New York City and the mission of Wazobia African Market in Houston, Texas, to connect people with their heritage through food.
The Harlem African Burial Ground: A Sacred Site Rediscovered
A cemetery for free and enslaved Africans from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, the Harlem African Burial Ground is an early sacred site in New York City’s history, and yet for decades the site was disrespected and forgotten. The historic footprint of the Burial Ground is an almost half-acre spot in what was once Nieuw Haarlem, established by Dutch royal charter on August, 15 1660 as an outpost of New Amsterdam.
It is now located on a city block at 126th Street and 2nd Avenue (2460 Second Avenue) in East Harlem, most recently occupied by the 1947 decommissioned MTA 126th Street Bus Depot. Nieuw Haarlem‘s Black cemetery has been paved over for a city bus garage. The site has been significantly disturbed by development from the early-1800s, when the land was first subdivided into city lots.
Elmendorf Reformed Church, the successor of the Low Dutch Reformed Church of Harlem
Early History and Missing Records
New Amsterdam had been settled for 13 years before the first efforts were made to settle at what is now Harlem. Isaac De Forest was the first documented landowner in what eventually became the village of New Harlem (a.k.a. Nieuw Haerlem, Harlaem, or Haarlem), and in the 1630s he was granted a tract of about 100 acres which formed a narrow strip from the Harlem Creek to the Harlem River (Riker 1904). The Low Dutch Reformed Church which established the Burial Ground was the community’s founding place of worship.
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From the beginning, the church maintained two cemeteries: one for people of European descent, and another for people of African descent. The segregated cemeteries were maintained until 1858 by the Elmendorf Reformed Church, successor of the Low Dutch Reformed.
The Burial Ground has been referred to over time by a variety of names, including the Reformed Low Dutch Church of Harlem and Negro Burying Ground. Part of the problem for researchers has been missing “Harlem Records.” As early as 1902 it was reported that many of the original records from the earliest years of the Town of Harlem, dating between 1666 and 1686, were missing from the City Register’s Office.
Most of the early records of Harlem are now public, but gaps still remain in the recordation of early deeds.
The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet
Rediscovery and Ongoing Research
The site was “rediscovered” by the public in the late 1990s when reconstruction of the nearby Willis Avenue Bridge revealed a colonial site and historic burial ground under the old Bus Depot. Per New York State law, the NYC Department of Transportation conducted a Phase I-A historical and archeological survey, which verified the existence of the burial ground.
Through research and advocacy, community advocates are now bringing this history to light, and now the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is leading the memorial efforts. Ongoing research by the Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force and other community members interested in the site’s preservation and memorial is contributing new knowledge and plans are being considered to redevelop the site into a memorial park.
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The next phase of archaeological work hopes to establish the complete distribution of human remains across the bus depot site. It will be led by Michael Pappalardo and Dr. Rachel Watkins, biocultural anthropologist, and Dr. Aja Lans, bioarcheologist, both well-established experts specializing in the discovery and analysis of human remains of African descent.
Wazobia African Market: A Taste of Home in Houston
In contrast to the somber rediscovery of a burial ground, Wazobia African Market in Houston represents a vibrant celebration of African culture through food. Launched in 2013, Wazobia African Market is a leading supplier of African food products and groceries in Houston, TX.
‘Wazobia’ is a popular West African expression that means “Come” in three different languages: Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. ‘Wazobia’ represents a connection with the homeland, and serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and responsibility to look out for each other.
Wazobia African Market in Houston, Texas
We source and supply the highest quality food products, ingredients and grocery items. Our main goal is to have all kinds of ingredients and goods from Africa so you will feel right at home with our groceries.
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We specialize in obtaining traditional and hard-to-find products and we work hard to delight our customers and exceed expectations. We have our own logistics warehouse and two physical stores located in Houston, Texas. We have built up an excellent reputation with professional service, rich product range and high-quality products. Our main principle is to allow customers to purchase the best quality products and the most intimate service at the most reasonable price.
More Than Just a Grocery Store
We are laser focused on prioritizing a memorable experience for all our customers, which is one of our key differentiators. To invest in people and work tirelessly to lift black communities up. Our brand is premised on the desire to make a difference in the lives of the people we come in contact with.
Our employees are tasked with the same question each morning: “If you meet someone today, how will your life make theirs better?” This philosophy has become our guiding principle, ensuring that our cashiers always meet customers with a smile. We are not only inviting you to shop with us, we are inviting you to become a part of our family.
