Flatbush African Burial Ground

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Flatbush lies a poignant story. The Flatbush African Burial Ground whispers tales of resilience and forgotten lives. This sacred ground, at the intersection of Church and Bedford Avenues, dates back to the 17th century. It stands as a stark reminder of a painful past, a time when enslaved Africans were denied even the dignity of burial alongside their enslavers. The Flatbush African Burial Ground served as the final resting place for countless individuals of African descent. They were the backbone of early New York’s agricultural prosperity. They toiled on the farms that made Kings County the second largest provider of produce in the nation. Yet, their contributions were largely erased from history. The very existence of the Flatbush African Burial Ground was nearly lost to time. Covered by a school and later by a vacant lot, its significance remained hidden until recent archaeological discoveries. The Flatbush African Burial Ground Coalition, local activists, and community members have been instrumental in bringing the story of this site to light. They have fought tirelessly against proposed developments. They want to ensure the Flatbush African Burial Ground is memorialized, not built over. We know the names of a few souls buried here. Phyllis Jacobs, whose burial is mentioned in an 1881 book, and Eve, a woman who lived to be roughly 110 years old, as documented in her 1810 obituary. These names represent hundreds, perhaps thousands, of others whose stories remain untold. The Flatbush African Burial Ground serves as a testament to their lives. It reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the past. A planned memorial will offer a space for reflection and remembrance. It will allow us to honor the forgotten lives that rest beneath our feet. The Flatbush African Burial Ground reminds us that history is not just found in textbooks. It is often buried beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and given its proper due.