REMARKS
Council Member Kamillah Hanks advocates for landmark status of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
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Council Member Kamillah Hanks delivers a heartfelt statement supporting the designation of Frederick Douglass Memorial Park as a New York City landmark. She emphasizes the park's historical significance to the African American community and its role in preserving the city's diverse history.
- The park was founded in 1933 to provide a dignified burial place for African Americans free from discrimination.
- It serves as the final resting place for many prominent African Americans, including jazz musicians and athletes.
- Landmark status would provide resources to maintain the park and ensure its continued role in honoring African American heritage.
Kamillah Hanks
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Thank you so much.
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I actually do have a statement I would like to read because this is very important to me, and I and I just wanna thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission on the handling of this and and and how wonderful it is for us in Staten Island to to have this Landmark.
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So as the chair of Landmarks And Public Siding And Disposition Committee, I'm filled with a sense of pride.
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And history today as we consider designating Frederick Douglass Memorial Park as a New York City landmark.
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Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is more than just a cemetery.
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It is a profound testament to the enduring spirit and historical significance of New York City's African American community.
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Founded in 1933 by Rodney Dade, Harlem funeral director alongside partners Benjamin Diamond and Frederick A.
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Bunn, the Park was created to offer a dignified final resting place for African Americans free from the discrimination, the prevalent, and other cemeteries.
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Over the decades, this 14 Acre Memorial Park has become the eternal home for many prominent African Americans, including Jazz and blues singer, Mammy Smith, Jazz Trumpeter, Tommy Ladner, and the professional baseball player, Soul White.
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This Memorial Park serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements African Americans in New York City.
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And provides a sacred space for families to honor their ancestors.
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As we consider the landmark status for Frederick Douglas Memorial Park, we acknowledge the importance of preserving our city's diverse history And with this designation, we will not only protect the physical integrity of the park.
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We will also ensure that future generations will recognize and honor the contributions of African Americans in our city's rich history.
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A landmark status will provide necessary support and resources to maintain and enhance the park allowing it to continue as a place of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of African American heritage.
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So I urge my colleagues to support the landmark preservation commission's designation of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Park as a New York City landmark.
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This recognition is long overdue and will solidify as the park in city's history.
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Thank you so much.