Colored Burial Ground Historical Marker Finally Installed

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “A lot of the very grounds we walk upon each day, we don’t even know the power that lies within them.”

These words, uttered by Tyrone Wilson of Harambee in Kingston, who performed an African Ritual Blessing on some of those sacred grounds in the City of Newburgh, on 300 Broadway, site of the Courthouse, Sunday afternoon, exemplified the hidden potency of a space. On these very grounds, a place once occupied by the Broadway School and where part of an African-American Cemetery resided, several bodies, dating back to the 1870’s were discovered. A Courthouse Burial Ground Working Group, complete with an array of subcommittees formed, and the long journey to find these remains an honorable resting place, complete with deserved dignity, commenced.

Sunday afternoon, part of that seemingly elusive mission was realized, when a large contingent of guests gathered at the Broadway site, amid a rainy backdrop, fitting for the cleansing theme of the event. Here, an official Historical Marker was revealed, honoring those remains-souls who finally received the revered, long overdue recognition.

“Thank you to all of the Committee members involved in this process for all of your hard work,” City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrance Harvey, welcomed in guests, including an assortment of political dignitaries, as he proceeded to allude to Martin Luther King Jr.’s adage of forever moving forward, not moving back. “Today will mark the deed-literally and figuratively-honoring the memory of the African-American slaves for their sacrifices for freedom, equality, and justice for all.” Harvey continued, “We must do this recognition call to continue collaboration to strengthen community, making it a powerful and meaningful tribute.”

That memorable gesture was visibly apparent in Wilson’s Blessing segment. Adorned in African attire, Wilson spoke about cementing connections between our souls and our ancestors, making sacrifices and sealing precious memories. Dropping symbolic intervals of water on the grounds, Wilson uttered, “May you finally be recognized,” as onlookers responded with “Ashay” repetitions, solidifying the symbolic link of those neglected 19th Century souls with the 2024, 21st Century ones standing on their burial grounds. The image made for profound lessons.

“It’s so important that we all learn American History-which includes all people; Black history is our history,” affirmed Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson prior to officially presenting a Proclamation for the occasion. “We need to learn it all-the good, bad and ugly, so we don’t repeat the bad.”

For Newburgh Colored Burial Ground Committee member, Ramona Burton, the journey was not only poignant and laden with lessons, but very personal.

“When the bones were first found on these grounds, a group of ministers would come in and pray here; I wanted to be a part of that,” said Burton. “This space is extremely sacred, and life for me is a continuum; today is definitely a ‘10,’ as we are closing out a day that really needs it, and doing something this sacred.”

Those necessary, diligent actions, fueled by respect and justice, were further saluted by Kyle Conway, First Vice President of the Newburgh-Highland Falls NAACP chapter.

“When they don’t care about us, it’s up to us,” initiated Conway with his remarks. “We are here today to honor our ancestors; yesterday is connected to today; I did not know these people, but they are my relatives.” Conway added, “This marker is an exclamation of correcting things and saying they mattered, leading to a better future.”

Bearing the trademark blue background and capital lettered, yellow hued inscription, the marker, which was adorned with a color medley of carnations by guests, reads, “Colored Burial Ground” atop, followed by, “The final resting place for the thriving free black community in what was the village of Newburgh. 1832-1867. Added to Nat. Register 2010.”

That past-present connection once again surfaced toward the conclusion of the event. Gabrielle Burton-Hill, a pivotal-passionate member of the current Newburgh Colored Burial Committee, who has been involved in the commitment to pay proper respect to these found souls for many years.

“Back in 2018 when I started on this journey, I asked two questions: Why does this matter, and why should anyone care about something that happened so long ago? And then someone pointed out there are many connections, especially to several of the problems that still exist today; this is all a sign of pain,” said Burton-Hill, who proceeded to read passages on the yearning for and power inherent in education from Frederick Douglass’ book.

A hurt-alluded to by Buton-Hill- that Sunday- for a couple of sweet hours- was soothed in many ways by that education- and with the unveiling of a permanently planted Marker will also serve as a beacon of hope and how the present can make amends for the past.
The tribute process-to honor these special souls continues with a planned Memorial at Downing Park whose details are just about finalized and specifics are scheduled to soon be released to the public.