Click to Donate to the CAS Memorial Marker

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Click to Donate to the CAS Memorial Marker |

Honoring the Legacy of Africans and their descendants in Poughkeepsie, NY

  • Our Vision

    CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN SPIRIT presents memorials to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of Africans and their descendants to the building and growth of Poughkeepsie and the Dutchess County region, from the work of the earliest enslaved persons through today. We collaborate with other organizations and entities to provide opportunities for education and exploration, so that the entire community can learn more about this purposefully neglected and ignored aspect of American history.

SAVE THE DATE FOR Juneteenth 2025

On June 19th, CAS will gather to unveil the memorial marker at Waryas park, honoring the legacy of enslaved African Americans and their role in the lives of Poughkeepsie today. Join us now to reach the very last of our goal!

Thursday, June 19th, 6-8 pm

Support the Memorial Marker at Waryas Park!

Join us in honoring the contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants in the Mid-Hudson Valley by installing a Memorial Marker in Poughkeepsie.

The Memorial Marker was designed by local young people of color and we’re proud to announce the City of Poughkeepsie has approved the placement of the marker in Waryas Park.

If making a donation of $500 or above, please help us avoid processing fees by mailing a check to Celebrating the African Spirit at P.O. Box 1189 Poughkeepsie, NY 12602.

Change the

NAME of

Morse Elementary

Explore the History of Upper Landing Park

Walk the trail to Upper Landing Park, and learn about its relationship with the history of enslaved Africans and their descendants.

POEM BY ANTHONY T. BROWDER, Transition 13

We knew not

We studied

We learned all there was to know

We taught others

Then we forgot what we had learned

and then forgot we had forgotten

Now we are taught (by those whom were once taught by us)

knowledge

(that we already had)

So…

we study

we learn all there is to know

we teach others

WILL WE FORGET AGAIN…

Our Co-Chair Carmen McGill leading a presentation at our local high school.
CAS members Jackie, Ozie, Carmen, and Sue (left to right) accompanied by DaRon Wilson (middle), Administrator of special programs for the City of Poughkeepsie School District.
CAS Members Carmen and Ozie hosting teach-in at our local high school's social studies class.
CAS Member Ozie teaching high school students about CAS and other opportunities to make change in the community.
CAS Members Carmen and Ozie.
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