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In Our Own Backyard: The UWS Community Destroyed to Create Central Park
Presented by SAJ”s Racial Justice Group
Seneca Village was a vibrant, tight-knit enclave of mostly freed African Americans,—many of whom were property owners—as well as a small number of immigrants and perhaps Native Americans. In 1855, the enclave had churches, cemeteries, a school, and 260 residents. Two years later, it was razed and its history erased for more than a century, in order to create Central Park. Architectural preservationist, historian, and Harlem resident John Reddick will discuss the fascinating recovered history, ongoing research, and progress toward the goal of a permanent commemoration of Seneca Village in Central Park.
Discussion and Q& A to follow.
Stay tuned for an upcoming guided tour of the Seneca Village site, date to be determined.
John T. Reddick is an architectural preservationist, historian, and the Director of Community Engagement Projects for the Central Park Conservancy. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture Preservation & Planning at Columbia University. He gives tours and lectures regularly about Harlem’s art, culture, and architecture and has been involved in advancing several public art projects there, including the Ralph Ellison Memorial, Harriet Tubman Square, and Frederick Douglass Circle.