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Saturday, May 16, 2026
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Preserving History Through Student Action
Join Sam Colon and the Students Uplifting Ancestral Spaces (SUAS) community in preserving history through hands-on student action.
May 13, 2026
Hello everyone, we are Students Uplifting Ancestral Spaces (SUAS), a student-led organization dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of enslaved African people who labored in the Bronx, particularly through the cultivation of the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground in Van Cortlandt Park. In collaboration with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and other Bronx-based initiatives and artists, we host biweekly meetings at the grounds that foster dialogue about the lives and legacies of marginalized communities, both past and present.
Our mission is to empower students to serve with purpose and take part in preserving the stories of those who came before them. As members, we clean and restore the space by growing a pollinator garden, planting native trees and flowers, and incorporating herbs and plants historically used by enslaved Africans for medicine and nourishment. We also work to protect the surrounding ecosystem by removing invasive species and restoring areas near Hester and Piero’s Mill Pond and the Parade Grounds. Alongside these beautification efforts, we host community-centered events focused on reflection, remembrance, and collective care.
This spring, SUAS celebrated the hard work and dedication of our student volunteers with a special community planting event held on May 1st at the Burial Ground. More than 27 students attended, and together we planted 90 native flowers throughout the space. The event served as both a celebration of the meaningful work students contributed throughout the academic year and a reminder of the importance of preserving ancestral spaces through collective action and care.
We invite students to take part in this ongoing project at the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground in Van Cortlandt Park and help preserve Bronx history and heritage. Students can learn about the history of the Burial Ground, take part in meaningful community service projects, and earn community service hours while caring for this important space. Whether you are interested in environmental justice, local history, community care, or simply giving back, all students are welcome to learn and grow with us.