Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations meeting
May 13, 2026, 1:00 PM
The committee held an oversight hearing on commemorating Juneteenth and protecting the burial sites of formerly enslaved African Americans, and considered a related bill (Int 0220). It also heard several commemorative resolutions, including ones honoring Willie Colon and the Feast of San Gennaro.
What was discussed
- Call to Order and Member Opening Statements on Honoring Enslaved African Burial Sites Chairperson Williams opened the hearing, followed by opening statements from Council Members Hanks and Joseph and Deputy Leader Banks, each emphasizing the importance of identifying and preserving historically significant burial sites of formerly enslaved African Americans in connection with
- Expert Witnesses on Identifying and Preserving NYC's African Burial Sites A panel of archaeologists and researchers testified in support of Int 0220, describing documented burial sites of enslaved Africans across the five boroughs. Dr. Matthew Reilly, Dr. Elizabeth Meade, and Herbert Seignoret outlined the scientific and historical basis for mapping these sites and called
- Should New York City create a permanent cemetery maintenance fund modeled after Virginia's African American Cemetery Preservation Fund? Chairperson Williams asked DCLA Deputy Commissioner Murray whether the City should create a dedicated maintenance fund for African burial sites. Murray did not endorse a specific agency lead but confirmed the office was engaged with the issue, and Williams pressed on DCLA's preparedness and
- Libraries and Design Firms on How the City Can Honor and Interpret African Burial Sites A Zoom panel including Edwin Maxwell of the Brooklyn Public Library, designer Chris Hardy, and landscape architect Elizabeth Kennedy testified about how the City's libraries and cultural institutions can help interpret and memorialize African burial sites for the public.
- Community Advocates and Historians in Support of Int 0220 and Juneteenth Recognition Public witnesses including Judith Insell, Heather Quinlan, and Cheryl Warfield testified in support of Int 0220, sharing personal and professional connections to the history of enslaved New Yorkers and calling on the City to formally map and protect burial sites as a matter of historical justice and
Agenda
6 items
- T2026-1818 Oversight – Commemorating Juneteenth and Honoring Burial Sites of Formerly Enslaved African Americans. Hearing Held by Committee
- Int 0220-2026 A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the identification of formerly enslaved African American burial sites Hearing Held by Committee
- Res 0082-2026 Resolution celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro and the Ferragosto Festival annually in September to honor the contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans to the cultural, political, and economic fabric of the City of New York Hearing Held by Committee
- Res 0424-2026 Resolution declaring January 5 as Kappa Alpha Psi Day in the City of New York to recognize the fraternity’s long-standing tradition of fostering brotherhood, academic achievement, leadership development, and community service Hearing Held by Committee
- Res 0440-2026 Resolution declaring April 28 as Willie Colón Day in the City of New York to honor the multi-talented trombone player, bandleader, composer, and producer, who was a New York City pioneer of Latin music and a beloved salsa legend Hearing Held by Committee
- Res 0450-2026 Resolution declaring June 28 as Maria Antonia Cay Day in the City of New York to honor her enduring role in supporting and celebrating the Puerto Rican community and in preserving and uplifting its rich cultural heritage and traditions Hearing Held by Committee