About
The Anson Street African Burial Ground project began in 2013 when the Ancestors woke and demanded that we share their truths. In 2017, Dr. Ade Ofunniyin and the team that worked alongside him for the Gullah Society, took up the Ancestors charge and worked with community to learn more about their lives, honor and memorialize them. We now continue this work.
The thirty-six Ancestors were named during a traditional Yoruba Naming Ceremony in April 2019. Their names are; Babatunde, Lima, Mbangi, Zimbu, Tima, Isi, Welela, Pita, Wuta, Fumu, Banza, Ulume, Amina, Ola, Yawo, Leke, Omo, Ori, Coosaw, Lisa, Rere, Risu, Pele, Juba, Kwabena, Ganda, Kiana, Kuto, Kidzera, Jode, Talata, Ajana, Anika, Nina, Nana, and Daba.
What We Do
We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers and educators. Through historical, anthropological, archaeological, genetic, and genealogical research we work with communities to share, preserve and protect African descendant burial grounds. We ensure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
Research
We conduct research into modern and ancient DNA to learn about ancestry and kinship, as well as health and disease. We also research the histories of individual families and African-descendant burial grounds throughout the Lowcountry. We develop new approaches to share archaeological and historical research.
Community Outreach & Education Programs
We work with all ages, from grade-school to college, adults and seniors. Learning never stops and we are here to produce publications and provide resources to learn about African descendant lives.
Exhibitions
Our research and community engagement activities contribute to exhibitions that broaden our audience, to share our findings and encourage important conversations related to African-descendant lives, racial justice and equity.
Would you like to participate in the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project?
Current Projects
We are currently working with community members to collect soil from sacred burial grounds to be used in the memorial design.
Upcoming Events
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
George Eliot
Contact the ASABG team
The best way to contact ASABG Team Leaders is to email us at asabgproject[at]gmail.com. We will then direct your message to the appropriate person and we will get back in touch with you. Thanks, once again, for your support! We are here to serve you.
