Imagine a garden born from struggle. This is M’Finda Kalunga Garden. It stands as a testament to community resilience and remembrance.
M’Finda Kalunga Garden began in 1982. A group organized to fight drugs and crime in Sara Roosevelt Park. They aimed to protect low-income housing. This beautiful garden grew from that effort. It’s almost a city block long.
The name M’Finda Kalunga means “Garden at the Edge of the Other Side of the World” in Kikongo. Kikongo is a Bantu language. It is spoken in the western Congo and northern Angola. The garden honors a nearby burial ground. This is the Chrystie Street African Burial Ground.
The Chrystie Street Cemetery existed at 195 Chrystie Street. It was partially beneath The New Museum of Contemporary Art. The burial ground was a final resting place. It held an estimated 5000 individuals. It served the community for nearly sixty years.
In 1794, the African burial ground near City Hall closed. Black men petitioned the city. They wanted to purchase land for burials. By April, the land was granted. It was near the dilapidated ruin of James de Lancey’s mansion.
By the 1800s, the burial ground was full. The city expanded northward. It engulfed the cemetery. In 1853, it closed forever. Most remains were moved. The site was soon built over.
Some remains were found during the New Museum’s excavation. The M’Finda Kalunga Garden hopes to raise awareness. It seeks a prominent marker to honor the burial grounds.
Today, M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden thrives. Up to 50 regular gardeners maintain individual beds. Community groups help too. They contribute to communal areas. The garden hosts cultural festivals. There are also children’s gardening programs. Senior programs, movie nights, and clean-up days happen here.
Keys and individual plots are earned. Would-be members work with current members. They demonstrate their commitment to the Garden’s mission. This mission is to protect and improve the community.
BMCC students visited M’Finda Kalunga Community Garden. They learned about the garden’s history. Students helped paint an installation. It commemorated the Chrystie Street African Burial Ground. They painted African textile patterns. These patterns extended onto a vintage light post. The lighting emanated the names of those buried.
The exhibition reclaims the area as a Black space. Students met Bob Humber. He has overseen the garden for many years. He shared the importance of advocacy work.
M’Finda Kalunga is more than just a garden. It’s a living memorial. It reminds us of the struggles and resilience of a community. It is a place of beauty, remembrance and continued growth. Take a moment to appreciate the peace and history held within this space.