I have some terrible news to share.

The New York Times reported last week that the The African Burial Ground National Monument was defaced with a racial slur. My first built project under the leadership of my mentors Rodney Leon and Nicole Hollant-Denis was vandalized with a black marker “kill n*gger” on our precious and sacred monument.

This piece of architecture protects the history of our ancestors contributions and serve as a resting place for their tired bones. The resilient spirits will not be impacted by this hate.

Printscreen of NY Times Article

Please vote because if this vandalism can take place in a "blue state" in the middle of a Federal Building campus, we must be proactive and take nothing for granted.

Full article linked here:

NY Times Article - Racist Slur Defaces African Burial Ground Monument in Lower Manhattan

//////////ARCHITECTURE AS ADVOCATES///////

During the excavation of a site for the construction of a federal building in downtown Manhattan, #Slave remains were discovered. The site was investigated and found remains of men women and babies.

The African Burial Ground National Monument, protected their importance to our city from being erased and buried.

Those green mounds are the reinterment of the remains carefully placed to be respected and reflected upon.

"Vote like your rights depend on it"

Please know your support means everything to me. You are a part of my community and someone I aspire to make proud.

///////Update///////

Architectural Record wrote an article about the events that occurred at ABG and introduces the idea of Architecture being advocates.

Full article can be found here:

https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13760-acts-of-hate-highlight-architectures-role-in-framing-history