Welcome to the Memorial Marker
Honoring the hidden histories of enslaved Africans and their descendants in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley.
𖡡 Waryas Park
Hidden Histories of the Hudson Valley
America’s story is filled with chapters often left untold. Among these are the vital roles enslaved Africans and their descendants played in shaping the nation’s growth and prosperity from its earliest days. In New York State, including the Mid-Hudson Valley and the City of Poughkeepsie, this history remains largely unrecognized.
While monuments to former slaveholders abound, the lives and contributions of the enslaved are rarely acknowledged.
We are Celebrating The African Spirit, Inc., a Poughkeepsie-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to correcting this omission. Our mission is to commemorate and honor the enduring legacy of enslaved Africans and their descendants in our region.
About the Memorial Marker
Inaugurated on Juneteenth 2025 in Waryas Park, the C.A.S. Memorial Marker stands as a testament to this mission. Years in the making, the project began as a student art initiative in partnership with The Art Effect, offering young artists of color meaningful creative opportunities and educating the public about the impact of enslaved Africans on Dutchess County’s development.
Artistic Details
Each side of the pyramid features layered Corten steel illustrations, creating a bas relief effect. The design flows in the shape of the Sankofa bird, a West African symbol urging us to learn from our past, mirroring the movement of the Hudson River.
The Story in Panels
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This memorial invites everyone—whether you grew up here or are just visiting—to reflect on the untold stories that are part of our shared history. By learning about the people whose lives and labor built this region, we can better understand the past and work toward a fairer future for all.
Thank you for visiting and taking a moment to remember.
— Squarespace