Is the design appropriate for the African Burial Ground?
Why or why not?
 
What elements would you keep or change?

 
Public comments were submitted by people responding to exhibitions of the five final designs conducted by The National Park Service and the General Services Administration and also through the African Burial Ground web site. The comments were were gathered from September 7 through October 8, 2004.

You may jump to a specific set of responses by selecting from the list below:

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Federal Building, 290 Broadway
Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center, Staten Island
Brooklyn Historical Society
Bronx Community College
Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens
Electronic Responses

 
Responses submitted at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture:
 
• No. Too empty, crude and primitive.

• No.

• Yes. It incorporates the flavor, accents, and feeling of African heritage. The muted colors are wonderful – the fencing is beautiful.
• I would certainly keep the trees – but I’m not sure about the sloping landscape. Perhaps concrete or paven steps for people to sit & reflect, pray and remember.

• Interesting but too much village, too much metal.
• Needs more work.

• No. It takes away from the burial ground.

• Yes. The designs are modern, yet it portrays the people and customs of our ancestors.

• The border gives the feeling of a “family compound.”Looks like African compound.

• Yes. Aesthetically interesting; draws one in.
• As the process moves forward, it would be beneficial to consider including photographs based upon the architect’s renderings for a brochure to accompany the memorial. Such a brochure with historical text would be a wonderful “keepsake” from the memorial. Ample space for people to reflect and contemplate would also be useful.

• No. Too simplistic.
• Totally do not like this concept.

• I like the last one because it is a very nice place even though it is sad. It is good to know about your heritage yes indeed.

• It is simple and looks like a burial ground, serves as a place for reflection.
• Add seating (landscape).

• Nice, but its all in the past !

• Yes. It’s comprehensive, spiritual, etc. I rate this the best of the five.

• This is my second choice. It appears as a doorway leading to the African Desire. The passageway will lead the visitors into history.
• I recommend removing some of the grassy area especially for the temperature in NY.

• No.

• Yes. The earth tone and wood display made it appear to be more African.
• Needs to have information displayed in writing so that the youth (black, white, Asian, etc) would understand the significance of the site.

• Yes. Very good. Simple yet thoughtful. A place to reflect.
• There would need to be (somewhere in some form) an explanation of the site’s significance. The memorial wall on the Leon design does that, if something similar were incorporated it would be 10/10

• Needs more features and artifacts. I would add some African tombstones.

• Interesting mood – very spiritual. This piece/ concept could outweigh the other concepts that are more intricate. I think you could walk away from this memorial site with more of a feeling and remembrance of the past. In the winter or spring or summer and autumn, I feel the vegetation lends a lot to this piece during and about a moment of remembrance.

• Too vague, its hard to tell what the message is.

• Too minimal.
• Add water & places to sit. Love the sculptural entrance.

• Good idea. I love the beauty of nature & sacredness—this seems to be a true sanctuary dedicated to a people. It would be wonderful—[sic] to the public w/ an addition to the outside
• I would love for the outside [sic] or wall to give some history as to specifics of from where these people came, journeyed and died. Also I would add the original Statue of Liberty (replica) to cemetery outer area of a freed slave—from bondage. This is beautiful idea. This company really did its research.

• No. Too sparse—reminds me of a native American symbol

• No. Design not self explanatory
• love the fencing around the site. 2) clear fencing

• [why] Is nature-al, I feel invited to be in the landscape—and connect to the souls that may find peace here
• [keep] May the entrance be made of African hard wood

• Yes. This one seems accessible from the street for passersby who might see the space and be interested in coming and taking a look.

• I felt as though this exhibit symbolized the African heritage
• Keep as it is

• Too plain and simple. Doesn’t depict our struggle.

• I love the additional proposal to plant extensively to mark the full extent of the graves.

• I like it—the colors are great
• Develop the circle more

• No. This design tries too hard to be African instead of creating an inspiring setting for us to pay homage to our ancestors
• [change] everything

• Yes. Educational focus
• [change] what about seating?

• No. Too much
• [change] everything

• Perfect. The nature expresses the freedom with all that open space, the colors, the circles. It feels like another place, another world in the city. Africa is breathing in that place, you can hear the voices. I’m just concerned about the woods with the rain and the snow (erosion)

• Yes. I like the color choices, the people represented in the design and the trees as it represents Africa
• I would keep it the way it is. I think this should be the site.

• Yes, it has African essence. Very well designed
• [changes] none

• No dice. Unimaginative.

• Very Nice.

• Yes – correct premise
• [keep]Openness

• No interruptions of spiritual realm by manmade influences such as buildings and antennaes.
• Keep all sacred, especially the name (Sacred Ground).

• All are nice.

• Functional but not very exciting.

• Yes it is a good burial ground for our African people it is large space so that people all over world to see to be comfortable to see without being crowded.

• There would be a glass covering over the grass area.

• Yes, I like the spirit catcher and the circular elements and the plants and the colors an the space for performance/libation.
• Incorporate faces, names, maps.

• No. Nice flowers, beautiful. Art! But not enough substance.

• Very much so
• [keep] spirit catcher, grassy area, surrounding “fence” and especially tree planting concept

• No.

• No.

• Same as above and over. [No.] Where are the Africans who were the foundation of the United States and New York City?
• The History of the “Captive African Survivors” has yet to be told and recognized globally. Where are all the many African Artists who can tell their story in stone and sculpture who are committed.

• No. It looks almost the same as the old one.
• A statue.

• No.

• No. Stockade celebrates imprisonment. Awful with surroundings also paves over graves.
• Grass and trees ok. People wanted just grass here.

• No. It doesn’t speak to me.

• [Yes.] This piece says the most for me. Just looking at the design on paper evokes a powerful feeling.
• I might suggest a seating area. A place where people may sit and reflect.

• [No.]Too busy. Too much involved.

• [yes] Very symbolic, typical and appealing. Speaks to the emotion of people.
• Keep everything.

• Yes. Very authentic of the African historical heritage.

• Yes. Beautiful, African looking materials. Quiet moments so people can reflect.

• [Yes] This one is appropriate also.

• [yes] I like the ethnical background of the design, the form shape of the circle, the mix of wood, rocks, gravel, etc. One assumes or gets the idea of life being ephemeral, but the site/the memorial ground slays. But maybe the design is also too obvious and too much stuck in the past, not contemporary enough to educate today’s people.

• [yes] I think this design sacred ground is great. It leaves open space for respect and sanctity of the burial ground.
• I like also the gateway that hangs over the burial ground.

• [yes] I like the general idea behind this monument, but it would be a little boring to visit in situations where there is no activity- the monument basically rests on the assumption that someone will be using it, activity all the time which I could not assume to be the case.

• No. Not enough life.

• [yes] most appropriate to incorporate actual written history in remembrance of those buried.
• Insure a history of those buried is a large part plus some covering to allow continual reading even during inclement weather.

• Yes. I love the African feel to this design. Every section seems to have been though out and bring deep meaning to the site.
• [add] Seating for the elders and otherwise handicapped.

• I like the design because of the trees and the lush sanctuary
• I think they would need to add more medium that will symbolize the burial ground site.

• Yes, there are elements of African compounds, and it is tree-enclosed.

• This is a beautiful work of art. This design uses the elements of the earth and shows the strength of the people
• I would add an audio production of African songs, drumming and stories. I would also add some kind of video.

• No. What an inspiring piece of work!! In spite of being such a moving and inspiring piece of architecture, this design would not work in NYC [see Other Comments for clarification]
• [keep] The bronze educational pathway

• Yes. The tree plantings will be essential. The earthen area and pathways will help keep us close to the ancestors. The spirit catcher is a wonderful tool for quiet and reflection and preparation
• I would keep it in its entirety

• Too much activity upon the ground. Leaves open for destruction of grass and resulting lack of care to area open to social activities

• Yes! Combination of abstract sculptures and traditional materials give it an African feeling
• Keep night effect of the lighting

• Yes.
• [change]None.


Responses submitted at the Federal Building, 290 Broadway
 
• Yes.

• After you pass through the entrance, what is happening? I like the design of the boarders and entrance, but I don’t get the rest.

• No. Access only available during ceremonial events. The African Burial Ground site should be open to the public.

• The idea of Sacred Ground is very appealing to me and really encompasses the purpose for developing this memorial.
• I would keep all of the elements.

• Should be collaborated with Joseph DePace and Rodney Leon.

• No--boring

• Alters the landscape; too elaborate
• I like the color palette of the appearance of simple, quiet homage

• I like this one also – simple but has impact
• Keep it as is.

• No. Same as Sacred Ground? [concept] It doesn’t really encourage staying. There is also no special tribute to the present (current) graves.
• I like the spirit catcher.

• Yes. Groundworks’ design is appropriate for ancestor’s site because I don not waters design for them or for people to see.

• Yes.

• Yes. I feel it is very spiritual and uplifting.
• Maybe add some African faces or images to reinforce the idea that Africans are interred here.

• This is my second choice because of the circle 360 degrees, but it appears to be a park. I love the entry way and the proposed bronze work, but I don’t like the emulation of a park.
• The greenery [change]. Add something.

• I like the circle effect here with the tree effect outside. This would be my second choice. The outside area of the circle should remain untouched.

• Yes. Simple, circular design. Open space for celebrations.
• The area where the coffins are located needs to be highlighted and showcased. Narrative and explanation is needed. Other elements that commemorate our time in America should be held here.

• Yes (#1 choice). Exquisite. Entrance provides info and the drama of coming out to face the unknown (sea, new world). Beauty of nature.

• It fits. I like it because it looks peaceful and I think that a waterfall would add a great vibe.
• Add a waterfall.

• This would be the best design because it is a very peaceful, spiritual place together and learn and hear and feel and be.
• I like the whole, no changes.

• No. It looks too much like a park.
• Change nothing. It looks inappropriate.

• Perfect.
• If sections are to be added, not [added] over remains.

• More contemplative spaces – more seating – does not highlight the reburied graves.

• Very good. Naturalistic and celebrative of life.

• Maybe. The circle is nice.

• Must visitor walk atop the grave? The space is not protected enough? How will the space look in the fall and winter when the garden is dead? It also needs a space for a more comprehensive exhibit/ museum space that tells visitors what’s there and why.

• No. I wouldn’t feel connected with trees planted on top of them as indicated in your model.
• Change: Identify the exact space where the ancestors are buried.

• Yes.
• Needs water.

• No. Don’t understand the concept. What are you trying to say here?

• Artist did not seem to put much effort into design – seemed unfinished.

• No, because there needs to be more to the beautiful design.
• Add more to make it interesting and a place for knowledge.

• No, don’t like it, under designed.

• No, the various elements do not hang together. Not enough stone. Would require lots of maintenance.
• [keep] none.

• Nice.

• Yes. Captures concept of sacred burial ground and sanctuary and what it symbolizes. Love the overt spirituality, the entrance way concept, and the plant life. Very spiritual. Like the circular concept. Love the earthiness. Like the lighting. Like wood-looking fence.
• Would add water. Would remove trees from area where ancestors’ remains were re-interred. Is lack of seating are intentional? Like the essence of an African Village area. Hopefully, the designers could collaborate and borrow suggestions for change from each model and incorporate them into a new design.

• Perfect.
• But water would be nice.

• No. It also looks like a prison.
• [keep] None

• Yes (1). The design shows the warmth and color that is important to the vibrant culture in Africa. While the other designs would be appropriate for another part of the city, honoring other people’s contributions of NYC’s past, Groundworks really depicts a spiritual past of African people.
• Keep everything.

• Yes. Because sacred ground creates a dignified, spiritually charged gathering place.

• I like the colors and the warmth it gives [to create a] deep sense of the exhibit of ancestors.

• Needs a better vision and details. Plan not laid out to catch any type of understand/ history of the burial ground.
• No comment on change.

• What can I say about this piece? The name is definitely warranted. Just looking at the model I “felt” the presences of the ancestors. Hands down winner. The two best pieces in my opinion are Sacred Ground (Groundworks), and Rodney Leon. I think ideas from these two models should be infused.
• [Keep] earth tones and natural materials.

• Yes. Simplicity, the symbolism, and use of glass, metal, and water (needs more to touch). Like the trees making the border of now built area of burial area.
• Can’t the symbolic fencing yield to the forest of trees on one or two sides? Connecting, not sealing off the trees and the spiritual area, and the sitting areas – (all in one!) Water to touch and hear and to dip perhaps with guard to pay libation for an African Ancestor and the world’s greatest peace/reality.

• No. Not impressive, does not capture the essence of our ancestors. Looks cheap and rickety.
• Would not keep anything. African symbolism and trees are important.

• Yes. This site depicts a calm, peaceful and spiritual environment. A place where you can come to reflect and meditate. Simple and not overly elaborate.
• An addition of the wall of faces might add a significant touch (I don’t know where) or the monument from the Rodney Leon Design.

• No, this is a burial ground, not WFC.

• I like this design, but would not build it. It is open, accessible and warm. However, it is lacking a sense of privacy.

• Yes. Because it’s limited to the public keeping the ground sacred.

• Possible, but it is too high maintenance. Its design includes trees (very nice) and a lot of grass (which doesn’t always grow).
• I wouldn’t use this design at all. I don’t like the sticks and other elements of the design.

• Yes.

• You are not serious, are you? It is sparse, unattractive, no mixture of joy or sadness. See Eustace [Pilgrim design].

• Yes. It is simple, yet powerful.
• I would like to see more remembrance and education for those who are not familiar with our history.

• No. Too depressing. No hope included. It symbolizes despair.
• [keep] None.

• Yes. I like the sense of Africa and mystery it evokes.
• It’s not clear what all the surfaces will be, but they should be as distinctive as possible to evoke other lands (i.e.: imported from Africa), and the trees should be distinctive also, not off-the-shelf, street trees. It also needs a small minimalist element in the center of the circle, like a sacred stone five feet tall.

• This design is also appropriate. It’s open to where visitors can come together to reflect and rejoice. May be a bit too commercial.

• Yes.

• Great concepts - too enclosed.
• Keep the intensive tree planting.

• Looks too rough, but it does have a nice cultural feel to it.
• I would change the entranceway. It is a nice idea but looks too rough.

• No, same reasons as for McKissack & McKissack.
• Same comment/changes as listed for McKissack & McKissack.

• Yes. This is a second runner up for me.

• Almost.

• The symbols need more specific design because the general public does not understand them.
• Public should have access to the site for ceremonies. Include trees and foliage throughout the area.

• No. Too plain

• OK, Trees and concentric colors

• Ring in center covers up fact that this is a burial ground

• Not—sign share crops

• Appropriate to African community, celebration for dead, contemplation sanctuary—welcoming embraced entrance.
• [keep] trees, deceased have been returned to lush Ghana. Intensive tree planting essential marking to find site

• I like the colors but the display didn’t give any information
• More information on the culture, burial and captivity

• First choice. Great concept and design. Use of nature, symbols and color are superb. Great plant choices, especially the forsythia.
• I would keep all elements. Last please add the decorative peppers like you have outside now—October 2, 2004. A great place of healing and symbolism for all to see.

• More so than others. More natural, not built up or overly designed, respects Sacred Ground as burial site, not as urban park. Has village feel to it…a spirit feel (and isn’t that what it’s about!)
• needs water element somewhere. 2. please don’t barricade us from the interred—and please don’t plant trees on top of them, making it look like the other 3 sides of the area—and these trees would block viewing from inside the building (first floor over escalator)

• Yes. I like it because it is inspired by tradition and is very green.

• No, too simple

• I like this because it feels like it opens up the mind and heals the being

• I don’t think so…somehow I feel some of the ‘souls’ there may not be represented. The artist doesn’t seem to recognize the Americanized Blacks or Free Blacks. Only pure Africa seems represented.
• I think I’d use something more with the wood in the entrance way and surrounding. Maybe it needs something to give it a bit of modern flare.

• No. This reminds me of the area where slave masters would chase the Africans/Blacks to capture them for slavery. A Baseball field designed by Puff Daddy or someone tripping on drugs.

• No. This design is more Native American than African. It doesn’t celebrate the Africans who are buried beneath it.
• Perhaps Groundworks can submit the design to a Native American group. I would keep the trees concept.

• No. The design doesn’t give any idea as to what the site memorializes. There’s no connection between the design and what happened at the area.
• I wouldn’t use the design.

• The stockade with its sharp posts is very unsettling, this is not an inviting or calming place. The open green areas are closer to the meaning of this site. The original design from this group was more impressive except for the structural element, where trees and natural elements celebrated life.
• This is a most exclusionary design (underscore the mandate that the site belongs to those who have set the agenda not the person buried here. Will only persons in African dress be allowed here?

• Boring
• No comment

• Unsure of artist, no name

• Yes—It’s beautifully rustic and the fencing is so authentic that it draws you in, and, once inside, a lovely contemplative space of great beauty. Wonderfully landscaped. #1! [design] but only with full public access.
• None should be changed, except ceremonial restriction, walking should be allowed. This is the best, I think, assuming people can walk around inside all year ‘round and that there is a proper budget for landscape maintenance

• No. It looks an open field with trees around it.
• Include some heritage and or ancestors.

• Yes
• Keep

• Yes, motif is great
• No change of concept, make one row of trees inside to provide shade. Need to make clear how people get in. Improve entry design

• No. Thoughtful landscaping and African style perimeter but lacks specific detail. Looks too empty. Resembles a dry lake bed. Relays on “formula” circular design concept that Rodney Leon design also falls back on.


• No. While I appreciate the attempt to capture the rich color of our African heritage, it just doesn’t translate well in this design.
• The walkway concept is okay, but that’s it.

• Yes! My favorite. It has the elements of an African fence—plus the open air with greenery that we need. It also gives the space the right amount of privacy for those who want to sit and remember.

• Yes, simple, meaningful. I like the entranceway.

• Not good
• [keep]None

• Yes, however, some public access to the space should be encouraged with relevant displays (in a discreet manner).

• The spikes [are] disconcerting
• Eliminate structures; green grass is OK

• I like [sic] like the colors. May they rest in peace.

• Easy to maintain flora? Fund set aside?
• [keep] It’s simplicity! Provide security for the area.

• It looks like an unfinished or abandoned yard

• Too many vertical elements—overall plan good but too many disruptions.


Responses submitted at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center,
Staten Island:
 
• I like it, it’s very spiritual looking and positive

• It appeals to me because it is different in design and seems to suggest a memorial

• No. No written or pictorial references, only color and texture

• Yes
• Keep all

• Yes. I like the openness and simplicity. I like this design best

• Yes. The African design is quite striking and shows good symbolism and a unique design

• Yes, it is cool but may be used for the wrong purpose. It seems like it would have to be closed to the public except for when events are scheduled.
• I like the natural areas and feel of the whole thing

• Worst

• [Yes] because it is representative of the Africans’ background
• [change] no

• No written history [3rd place]

• WORST
• NO CONSISTENCY

• Yes. Seems to preserve the ethnicity of the memorial
• Good as is

• Yes, Groundworks design is appropriate due to the spiral which represents changes and beginnings. It also incorporates nature which is symbolic in preserving life and nature thru generation to generation.

• Yes, it offers an instant recognition of African descent for visitors—International visitors cannot mistake the ancestry. It also offers community approach education with symbolic rites during performance type programs. Its focus seems to be positive growth versus a primary negative statement of past abuse.

• Design is not appropriate
• [keep] none

• No, lotta [sic] maintenance on plants. Nice idea—but not very big

• This design, especially the Spirit Catcher, is a beautiful, peaceful space. [signed form]

• Worst. Visually busy; fails to blend past, present, in consistent discernible way

• Proposal by Groundworks works—NY. Because this reminds me of the circle of life continuance.

• Yes. It appears [to be a] traditional African design. The pillars look like the perimeter poles of a tribal village with the center being where all tribal activity took place.
• The site should have some type of statues in the shape of African masks, gods, and any other objects that would tell immediately to the visitor that this is an African memorial

• I like all elements of this design. It seems to bring in the cultural aspect.


Responses submitted at Brooklyn Historical Society:
 
• Yes, elegant evocative, simple, beautiful
• Add some kind of educational area

• Yes, simple yet clear and powerful; form and concept of African village enclosure
• No change

• I like the open space. I like the spirit catcher
• I am just curious about how the material that is used to [make] the spirit catcher and serves as the perimeter will hold up in the snow and other elements. I think they are nice but wonder how durable.

• Yes, it is perfect design; spiritual reflections, tranquility, durability
• Change none

• Yes, it captures the full expression and displays serene calmness of the spirit

• Combination of color choice coupled with the circle design

• It is more sacred looking for the grounds and the surrounding trees—The communion of people gathering seems to be more calm and peaceful.

• Yes. Indeed. I believe this plan “feels” like Africa and that people of African descent are buried there. It utilizes true African forms in its design. Evocative title. Good introduction. It has excellent day and night visuals. Space for libations is good. It gives the visitor something to do, and allows them to interact with the site, further developing one’s experience within the landscape.

• Out of the 3 [sic] designs shown here in Brooklyn, this was looked [sic] most appropriate. More representative of a people of African descent.
• The Spirit Catcher needs to be redesigned.

• [keep or change?] educational component

• [checked off approved design—no comments]

• This one is the best

• Yes. Striking design gives feeling of hardships of these people
• Keep all

• I don’t like fence-like wall that separates the design from street and the sitting area—I don’t see how people are able to sit or stand there—The concept of trees, and path over the whole burial site in New York city’s lower Manhattan is good.

• Marginal yes. lack of seating—too restricted. There should be access to the community daily
• [keep] trees outlining the original site

• I love this—except the “spirit catcher” seems contrived. Why can’t the gateway include trees instead?

• The concept of a reverent space, but yet allows for the involvement of celebratory activity is apparent. The idea for tree plantings outside of the ABG is excellent
• The extensive totem imagery could be reduced. Thus the “spirit catcher’ uniqueness and centrality would always be in focus.

• Yes, I like the idea of the circle—it brings to mind the circle of confusion the slaves faced, also the openness of the area.
• [keep] the African style corridor leading to this circle of confusion.

• I found this to be the most powerful design because of the idea of keeping the space sacred by having access limited to the inside (only for ceremonies, etc.). Also the emphasis on the plantings as creating sacred ground and the spirit catcher as an entryway and the 419 totemic figures and the nighttime illumination. As a European-American who suspects that other whites would feel unwelcome by some of the design concepts, I want to add a voice of support. Having space reserved for sacred ancestral rituals might encourage white visitors to really contemplate what the site represents. The educational bronze panels will be an important way to reach anyone and everyone at all times and it looks (though I couldn’t totally tell) like the view into the site will be powerful day and night. That seems really important—that it can be a sacred visit for all even when you don’t enter the internal space. The additional proposal from Groundworks that trees be planted to mark the larger are of the Burial Ground seems really important.

• It’s so simple. I think it should be more elaborate.
• I would keep the border of trees and I like the idea of the additional program of intensive tree planting for the immediate area.

• No, because imagery doesn’t give a clear picture of one memorial purpose.
• Add some sort of ancestral symbols or remembrance. No Kente Cloth.

• Yes, it feels cultural, divides the space for contemplation
• [keep] all of it

• [Yes] Invokes a peaceful, sacred feeling.

• Yes. It symbolizes the land on which the lives were lost and offers a living memorial for the present.

• No.

• Yes—beautiful sculpturally. No explanation of why it is there.


Responses submitted at Bronx Community College:
 
• Yes. It gives the best cultural feel of them all.
• The trees on the outside lining of the landscape give the best effect

• Yes, It gives the essence of a memorial
• I’d keep everything

• Positive--Full vicinity of burial ground marked by trees. Very important because the designated area is only a fraction of total grounds. Garden beautiful if maintained. Bronze panel with actual imprints—very good idea, very educational


Responses submitted at Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens:
 
• Yes. It reflects an African village

• Yes. The look is very ancestral
• change the entrance (some sort of explaining should be on the walls) and lights

• Adding a bit more space for contemplation would be nice

• Provides details to what this site is all about. Complete and thorough.
• [keep] All

• Yes. A wonderful design. Spiritual and cultural. Accessible and open.

• Yes. Like this one the best. It is moving and pictorial.
• I would keep everything, especially the totemic figures & glowing eternal beacon. Need more written information about the burial ground

• No. It does pay respect to our ancestors but this sanctuary/museum/library/gathering space doesn’t seem to have a place for one to express their feelings like screaming or crying.
• I would add some more intimate spaces.

• Yes. Because it would stand out
• The crest past I would change to little seating area with a little theater in the grass. I would keep the entrance and put it in Rodney Leon.

• Contemplative & peaceful useful just want to sit down and meditate and remember all that was.

• Yes- my 1st choice. The simplicity of the landscaping and lack of building on the site is appropriate for African people—Africans are from the soil (the slave workers which were buried on this spot were also buried when Manhattan was farmland0 rich in soil). No brick or cement buildings. I love the totemic figures representing the adults & children which were buried in all sizes.
• I would like to open the area to all guests and races instead of using the area for special ceremonies only. Perhaps a bench or benches can be added either on the outside or inside made of the same metal as the totemic figures—welcoming everyone to visit and appreciate its history and to just meditate and contemplate.


Electronic Responses:

• Maybe.
• It is okay. Like the idea of keeping the ground sacred but it seems to be lacking indoor space. Space for meditation. The flat irons seem cold.

• Yes. I love the design and the idea of the communion of all people of African decent. I believe the struggles of our people are represented with pride in the structure and lush garden atmosphere. This is my number one pick!
• I wouldn’t change anything. The idea of having a place of our own for song and dance is wonderful. It can be the envisioned as the black Lincoln Center of Music.

• No. I feel like the design is too SHARP, in the sense that it gives the impression of being almost violent, in nature. The memorial should be approachable, which I feel it is not. I also felt like the africanesque motif was fake.
• I would change all of it and what do the dug out circles represent?

• Yes. This design is exciting. It has all the elements that would hold the interest for the next generation. The tree planting might [?] implementation of the overall design.