Sep 8, 2025
Enslavement to Freedom 1627-1827-2027
Join us Friday at the 250 Commemoration Summit to hear from Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American History at NYS-OPRHP Bureau of Historic Sites as she expands on New York's two major Black history anniversaries in 2027. July 4/5 the 200th anniversary of the legal end of slavery, and August 29, the 400th anniversary of the arrival and enslavement of the first 22 Africans. Events, bringing awareness to the foundational years of our state and the vital lives of Africans and their descendants have already begun. Now is the perfect time to relearn New York early Black history for the first time!
Why you should attend this session:
- Awareness creates a gateway into a often undervalued state-wide Black community. Bringing the I Love New York's Black tourism initiative into active use by promoting the state's Black history will bring Black tourism dollars into areas in and outside of New York City that can be beneficial for years to come. It is a great leader into other undiscovered adventures that exist within our communities, from museums to nature, restaurants, music and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Satisfy your curiosity by uncovering a part of our state's story you may not have heard before.
- Connect with a diverse range of people you might not have noticed or engaged with previously.
- Embrace the challenge of promoting a fuller, richer regional narrative—and gain a fresh perspective in the process.
About Lavada
Lavada Nahon is the Interpreter of African American History for the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, Bureau of Historic Sites. A position she has held since its inception five years ago. She is also a culinary historian with 30 years public history experience. She focuses on New Netherland and New York, 17th through 19th centuries, specifically, the lives and cultures of Africans and their descendants, enslaved and free. She has worked for a wide variety of historic sites and organizations around the tri-state region, and is a noted and recently retired, hearth cook and teacher. Her mission is to bring history to life by giving presence to the Africans and people of African descent enslaved and free, in New Netherland and New York in whatever way possible.
About NYS-OPRHP Bureau of Historic Sites
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is the third most public facing office within state agencies. Stewards of over 220 parks, and 35 historic sites and forts, NYS Parks saw a record-breaking 88.3 million visits in 2024, marking the 12th consecutive year of increased attendance and a 5% rise from 2023. With the Our Whole History initiative as one of their operating principals, they are actively working to bring the full scope of diversity that has always been New York, even when it was New Netherland, into focus. From exhibits, programs, parks to guests, everyone is welcome.