National Parks Group Commemorates Dedication of African Burial Ground Monument in Manhattan
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | October 5, 2007 |
| Contact: | Alexander Brash, Northeast Senior Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association, 212.617.2769 |
National Parks Group Commemorates Dedication of African Burial Ground Monument in Manhattan
Statement by Northeast Senior Regional Director Alexander Brash
“Today's dedication of the African Burial Ground National Monument creates a permanent memory to the legacy of enslaved and freed African Americans. This historic site once again confirms the unique role of the National Park Service as one of the largest guardians of African American culture and history in the United States.”
“As the National Park System continues to evolve and reflect the changing face of America, we recognize the need to preserve and protect our national parks, unimpaired, for the enjoyment of future generations. We need additional funding to maintain and interpret other historic sites that interpret African American history, especially the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. In fact, legislation currently pending in Congress authorizes the much-needed funding to ensure the preservation of historic sites, artifacts, and personal stories of those who were escaping and resisting enslavement. We now encourage the U.S. Senate to expeditiously take up this legislation.”
“Most importantly our national parks continue to suffer from an $800-million annual funding shortfall and a multi-billion-dollar maintenance and land acquisition backlog. The White House and Congress have taken the important first steps and must continue to do their part in providing successive increases in federal funding to ensure our national parks are restored in time for their centennial in 2016. Taking care of our national parks should be a national priority.”
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