Little Africa Rediscovered: African Descendants in the South Village During the 19th Century

Since the 17th century, people of African descent have been laying roots in and around Greenwich Village. Often referred to as Little Africa, this community, in the current South Village, had the largest population of African Americans in the city during its heyday. While confronting oppressive conditions, this community mobilized and collectively built social, benevolent, spiritual, and political organizations to support, defend, and educate its members.

This presentation will highlight the innovative laborers, entrepreneurs, abolitionists, educators, community organizers, journalists, and religious leaders who built public and private lives while calling Greenwich Village home during the 19th century. Jamila Brathwaite is the Program Director of The CEJJES Institute, the Charles White Gallery and the Rockland African Diaspora Heritage Center located in Rockland County, New York. She is actively researching and developing exhibitions concerning people of African descent in New York.