Celebrating 193 Years of African American History on Staten Island!

Robert McKinney, Jeffrey Moody, Catherine McKinney, Denise Pedro and Warren Landin, from left, play in Sandy Ground on March 31, 1967. Courtesy of Staten Island Advance.

Digital Diaspora Family Reunion (DDFR) in cooperation with the Sandy Ground Historical Society, hosted a DDFR ROADSHOW GRAND FINALE at the Central Family Life Center, 59 Wright Street (in the Stapleton area of Staten Island) on Saturday, June 15th, from 1pm – 3pm, to celebrate the rich African American cultural heritage of Staten Island.

Debi Rose, New York City Councilwoman of 49th District, brings her family albums to share with DDFR

Sylvia D’Alessandro, Executive Director of Sandy Ground Historical Society, presents her family photos with DDFR

Thomas Allen Harris hosts the Digital Diaspora Family Roadshow in Staten Island

DDFR and Sandy Ground Historical Society have come together to illuminate the hidden histories and little known stories of Staten Island’s African American communities, from before the Civil War to the present day. This rich cultural legacy is often tucked away in family photo albums and, as a result, is largely invisible to the wider community.

The ‘Black Angels’ of Sea View Hospital shares her experiences with segregation.

But in these photographs are the vibrant stories of a proud community which has grown over the generations into a strong, vibrant and welcoming place for one and all. These are the unsung heroes and heroines, ordinary folk, whose extraordinary presence creates a sense of community and puts the heart and soul into one of New York City’s most overlooked boroughs.

During this special DDFR ROADSHOW event, members of the audience will fill in the missing pieces in the history of Staten Island and New York City through the stories captured in their family photographs. It is a way for young people to connect with their past, understand their present and prepare for their future.

Get a more in depth look at what went down during the roadshow here!

Bill Hughes of the Count Basie Orchestra shares his photos during his career