A historic church in Manhattan is spearheading a campaign to protect a centuries‑old burial ground that holds the remains of some of the earliest free Black families in the United States. The site, located on the church’s property in the Lower East Side, dates back to the late 1700s and includes graves of former enslaved people who gained freedom and contributed to the city’s early Black community. Advocates argue that the cemetery is not only a sacred space for descendants but also a vital piece of American history that should be safeguarded against redevelopment pressures. The effort has drawn support from preservationists, historians, and local officials, who hope to secure landmark status and ensure the site’s long‑term protection.
New York City church pushes to preserve burial ground tied to early generations of free Black Americans Yahoo
