In 1651, Flatbush was colonized by the Dutch, and in 1654 the Dutch Reformed Church and adjacent cemetery was established at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue. At that time, historical records indicate that more than 75 percent of Flatbush families enslaved at least one person. The African people who were enslaved by the Dutch, and their descendants, were incredibly abused and dehumanized by those who considered themselves masters. One manner in which enslaved people were denied basic human rights is in the repression of their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. A 1731 New Amsterdam law put a limit of 12 persons as the precise number of enslaved Africans allowed to assemble for a funeral. Despite this oppression, a plot of land owned by the Dutch Reformed Church was established for the burial of enslaved people of African descent. 

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A small portion of this Sacred Burial Ground is currently owned by New York City. Our former Mayor, former Borough President and former City Councilmember believed it was their right to bulldoze the currently undeveloped portion of the site, disturbing the remains of those who still rest there and build an apartment complex. However, through the actions of various groups and individuals in the community, New York City shifted their stance and halted development on the site.

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We believe that it is our responsibility as members of the community to call attention to what is happening to the Sacred Burial Grounds and to find a means to preserve them forevermore as an open green space and memorial or monument to the lives who were afflicted by the atrocities of the institution of slavery.

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In Solidarity,

 

African Graves Matter Organizers:

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Harriet Hines

Reverend Gregory Seal Livingston

Robert Elstein