Juneteenth and the CAS Memorial Marker
Juneteenth holds a special meaning for Celebrating the African Spirit. It also marks the anniversary of the CAS Memorial Marker’s dedication at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie—a place to honor the enslaved Africans whose labor helped build our city and the Mid-Hudson Valley.
A year of remembrance, learning, and connection
On Juneteenth 2026, CAS celebrated the Marker’s first anniversary by unveiling a new interpretive sign that invites visitors to explore the history behind its design.
The celebration brought together poetry, African drumming, and community reflections. Poet Gold performed a new poem, and students Kylie Worme and Natiyah Riddick shared an original poem of their own. Mayor Yvonne Flowers and CAS Co-Chairs Carmen McGill and Katherine Hite offered remarks honoring the occasion.
Making hidden history visible
For generations, colonial-era slaveholders have been memorialized while the contributions of enslaved Africans have received little public recognition. Many Americans remain unaware of New York State’s long history of slavery.
The CAS Memorial Marker brings that history into public view. Overlooking the Hudson River, the 10-foot-high Corten steel structure features a striking pyramid design topped with the CAS logo. It reflects our mission to uncover hidden history, honor African contributions, and deepen understanding of the enduring legacy of institutionalized racism.
A community effort, years in the making
The Marker began with a student’s design in a program at The Art Effect. Over several years, that idea grew through the dedication of CAS members, historians, artists, and community partners.
Contributors included historians Susan McIntosh and Bill Jeffway, the late Carollynn Costella, CAS Project Manager Kalimah Karim, art director David Wong, fabricator 4th State Metals, and Yvonne Flowers, alongside many other supporters and local institutions.
Their work culminated in the Marker’s dedication on Juneteenth 2025, with community members and elected officials gathered to commemorate the occasion.
More history to discover
Since its dedication, the Marker has welcomed student field trips, historical walking tours, park visitors, and people exploring the nearby Walkway Over the Hudson. Historian Michael Cohen also gave a lecture there as part of his re-creation of Harriet Tubman’s journey to freedom.
Visitors’ questions inspired the next chapter: an interpretive sign explaining the Marker’s four panels, related history, and CAS’ mission. Artist and Committee Chair Jean-Marc Superville Sovak guided the project, which CAS dedicated on Juneteenth 2026.
