Support the CAS Memorial Marker

This Giving Tuesday, we have a goal to raise $6,000 towards the cost of a historic memorial marker in Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, a lasting tribute to the African spirit and legacy in our community.

decorative image

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE HISTORY!

Be part of something monumental. Celebrating the African Spirit (CAS) is on a mission to honor the rich history of enslaved Africans and their descendants who shaped our community with the installation of a Memorial Marker at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, designed by young people of color.

The City of Poughkeepsie has officially approved this site, bringing us closer to our vision of acknowledging the contributions of our ancestors while educating future generations.

We’ve raised one-third of our $43,430 goal, and now we need your support to raise $6,000.

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.

The Story Behind the Marker

  • America’s history contains many hidden stories. Unfortunately, most Americans haven’t had the opportunity to learn about  key aspects of our history—including how enslaved Africans and their descendants were integral to the development and prosperity of the United States, from its earliest days. 

    Closer to home, very few New Yorkers are aware that there was once slavery throughout New York State, including in the Mid-Hudson Valley, and what is now the City of Poughkeepsie.

  • There are plenty of tributes to former slaveholders, but the very existence of the enslaved in New York is a hidden history. Correcting this omission and commemorating the lives and contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants is the primary mission of Celebrating The African Spirit.

The Artists

  • The sculpture concept is the work of Jason Umanzor, pictured here with a cardboard mockup of the sculpture. Then a Poughkeepsie High School student,  Jason is now a Dutchess Community College student. The original illustration was conceived by Imyra Maxwell, then a new Poughkeepsie High School graduate. The artwork has been shepherded on this journey by professional art instructor and artist, David Wong, who is also responsible for the current production version of the illustration concept.

  • The Memorial  Marker project has been several years in the making, starting as a student art project in conjunction with The Art Effect in the City of Poughkeepsie. The project aimed to both provide meaningful opportunities for young artists of color, as well as educate the general population about the contributions enslaved Africans and their descendants have made to the development of what is now Dutchess County.

The Design

  • The lower portion of the Marker design is comprised of a 4-sided pyramid base in Corten steel, which has a bricklike patina. This pyramid base symbolizes the past, while the reflective metal Bi Nka Bi symbol which forms the top of the sculpture, represents the future.  This symbol, which like the Sankofa bird, is an Adinkra icon, literally means “no one should bite the other”, and stands for Peace and Harmony. The CAS logo would be centered on the top. 

Community Builder

$25-499

  • Donor’s name listed on the CAS website Donor Wall of Fame

  • Informal recognition at the memorial unveiling on Juneteenth 2025

Do something monumental.

Support this vital project and help preserve history for future generations.

History Keeper

$500-4,999

All benefits from Community Builder tier, plus:

  • Special invitation to the memorial unveiling

  • Name recognition on social media and memorial unveiling ceremony

Legacy Partner

$5,000+

All benefits from the History Keeper tier, plus:

  • Special commemorative plaque

  • Featured story on the website

  • Social media spotlight

If your donation is more than $500, please mail a check to the CAS Memorial Marker to the address below to avoid processing fees:

Celebrating the African Spirit

P.O. Box 1189

Poughkeepsie, NY 12602