Maroon Ecologies of Lower Manhattan

Walk the paths of self-liberated Africans alongside what were once the riverbanks and marshes of Soho and the West Village. As the city grew and the slave trade accelerated, both free and self-liberated Black city residents sought refuge in these pockets of Manhattan which remained waterlogged at high tide, and impenetrable by scent hounds. For centuries, these thriving Black neighborhoods were home to a diverse and rich assortment of convergent communities – giving rise to the culture, nightlife, and the unusually-shaped street grid that they are now known for. Attendees should bring water, layers in case it gets chilly, comfortable shoes, and a blanket or towel to sit on when we conclude in Washington Square Park for some light snacks and lively discussion!