The New York African Burial Ground: Symbolism

Visiting the New York African Burial Ground was an experience that made me feel more connected to my ancestors. I learned many things about the customs and ways of my people. One thing that caught my attention during the visit was the mass amount of symbolism throughout the exhibit. There were symbols that were easily recognizable, and some that took time to understand.

The entrance to the map of the world was, itself, a symbol. It could be interpreted in a number of ways. There was its triangle shape, signifying the formation of a pyramid from one side. The relevance was the structures that only Africans built during the start of civilization. As you enter the triangle, it narrows to the end. It gives a you a sense of a claustrophobic feeling, similar to the one Africans must've felt as they voyaged here during the Middle Passage. And finally, the other side of the triangle resembles a ship itself, going through the middle of the map from Africa to the New World.

Around the map were many other symbols recognized around the world. There was the cross, the symbol of European Christianity which Africans were forced to adopt. There was also a dreamcatcher, to symbolize the Africans' involvement with the Native Americans. The most interesting symbol to me was that of the Akoma. The Akoma is in the shape of a heart. I found this interesting because a heart is usually said to symbolize love. However, this symbol is said to mean endurance, patience, and tolerance.

This meaning of Akoma is more powerful to me than the shape of a heart meaning love. I believe that Africans had to have much endurance, patience, and tolerance to remain in the conditions they did. Africans proved themselves to be stronger than their captors by transforming this country with their presence instead of destroying it. However, I feel that the meaning of love applies here as well. The Africans had to bind together in love, endure many trials, have patience with their white counterparts, and tolerate the level of disrespect until it was time to act. The trip to the African Burial Ground made me proud to be a part of such a strong people.