Sponsors

Many individuals, some representing organizations, some simply concerned citizens, have been crucial in moving this project forward. There are still many ways to become involved.

“It is especially important to remember the enslaved people whose hard, uncompensated work built the wealth that made Charleston such a beautiful city. There are many unmarked grave sites of enslaved people in Charleston and this memorial will honor not the 36 Ancestors but will remind visitors and Charlestonians alike to recall the thousands of people whose names and lives have all too often been forgotten. I am sorry that Dr. Ade Ofunniyin is no longer with us. The Gullah Society which he founded called our attention to so may unmarked grave sites but particularly to this one.”

— Brenda Lauderback, Chairman of Denny’s and Chair of the Anson African Burial Memorial

Our Sponsors

  • Deborah Kennedy Kennard

  • Maxine Smith

  • Sandra Campbell

  • Jonathan Green

  • Cheryl Love

  • Rita Scott

  • Emily-Elise Martin

  • Josette Bailey

  • Hands volunteer

    La’Sheia Oubre and Joanna Gilmore, charter members of the Gullah Society have identified volunteers who reflect the age gender and ethnicity of the Ancestors. 36 volunteers have had their hands molded by Stephen Hayes. The molds will be cast in bronze and will be placed around the memorial fountain.

  • Collect earth for the fountain basin

    The fountain will be formed in part with earth from the grounds where enslaved people were buried in Charleston before 1865. 80 such sites have been identified on the peninsula and many more remain to be identified. A small amount of earth from as many of these sites as possible will be used to build the basin for the fountain making the Memorial a monument to all the enslaved people who lived their lives in Charleston. La’Sheia Oubre and Joanna Gilmore are also coordinating this effort.

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Please complete the form below if you have some other way you wish to be involved.