A few days ago, the New York Times wrote: “More than ever, this month is a welcome time for the education and celebration of Black American culture.” That’s where our minds and hearts are here at Nature Sacred.
We often write of how Sacred Places differ from other parks and green spaces. One of these core differences centers on the fact that they are community-conceptualized; their design driven by the people who will inhabit the space. The results are nature spaces that are reflections of the community’s culture; they often recognize salient moments and movements – of excellence – deeply significant to Black history and people.
This month, we are using our platform to celebrate and educate by casting a light on some of the people and stories these Sacred Places honor — from athletic excellence to music and art legends to social reformers, from yesterday and today.
We’ll start with something new and fresh; history now in the making. Baltimore native Gervonta “Tank” Davis is at the pinnacle of the lightweight boxing world as the current reigning lightweight boxing champion. A mural of Davis was recently installed at Intersection of Change in Baltimore to celebrate and honor this hometown hero.
Davis is history-in-the-making.
To see the mural of Davis, visit Intersection of Change:
Intersection of Change
1947 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
www.intersectionofchange.org
Learn more about Davis – his stats and upcoming bouts.
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass Gardens is the site of a Sacred Place honoring the 19th Century intellectual and abolitionist leader. The Gardens are on the grounds of Frederick Douglass House where he lived from 1877 until his death in 1895.
Born into slavery and self-educated, Douglass grew into a brilliant orator and social reformer. At a time when millions of Black Americans were living in slavery, he was an advisor to presidents and lectured thousands on the wrongs of slavery as well as women’s rights and other issues.
Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass:
- Visit Frederick Douglass Gardens in Washington, DC.
- Read some of his powerful words that were still fueling social movements decades after his death.
- Visit this digital exhibit curated by the American Writers’ Museum on Douglass’ life and impact.
To visit the Sacred Place at Frederick Douglass Gardens in Washington, D.C.,:
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
http://www.nps.gov/frdo/
Marvin Gaye
Washington DC born and raised Marvin Gaye, who would become “The Prince of Motown” grew up just blocks away from a park and Sacred Place that now bears his name. Gaye, more than a musical legend, was socially conscious and reflected this in his art. And his legacy continues today, not least in this DC Park.
Join us in celebrating Marvin Gaye
- Visit Marvin Gaye Park – throw on some headphones and listen to his celebrated album What’s Going On, the titular song NPR once described as “a poetic plea for justice and contemplation within black communities.”
- Or watch this live performance of I Heard it Through the Grapevine. https://youtu.be/Y7dGdrP3pms
- Check out this Motowne Bio.
To visit the Sacred Place at Marvin Gaye Park:
Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE & Division Ave NE
Washington, DC 20019
Mural Park at West Anniston Gateway
Nestled within the city of Anniston resides the West Fifteenth Street Historic District—a once-thriving commercial and social center for African Americans during an era of deep segregation. During this time, the city offered everything its residents needed, and the beautiful mural in this quarter-acre Sacred Place was painted to show just that. Located on the Anniston Civil Rights Trail, the Sacred Place was created with a deep intent to spotlight this history, and to serve as a means for residents and visitors alike to connect, or reconnect, with the stories of the community as it used to be, and reflect on the progress that has been made since then. The site has served as a gathering place for community celebrations such as Jazz in Park, sponsored by CFNEA and the City of Anniston.
Providing opportunities for children in particular to gain this knowledge from their grandparents and elders was especially vital to the creators of the site: many of them are unaware of Anniston’s unique history. The site presents an important avenue for people to learn about the unity fostered by the civil rights movement and take those lessons into their lives today.
Join us in celebrating the Black history at West Anniston Gateway
- Watch this video to learn about the creation of this Sacred Place and its significance.
- Learn about the Anniston Civil Rights Trail and the legacy of the Freedom Riders
Anniston, AL 36201
