Middle Passage Ceremonies & Port Markers Project

The installation of markers and the ceremonial commemoration of the lives of African ancestors that provide an accurate history of the arrival, presence, and contributions of Africans and their descendants in the U.S. will educate, open the doors of communication, and provide a mechanism to heal individuals, communities, and the nation. This initiative enables on-going public and formal inclusion of their experiences and importance in the national narrative. In 2023 we carried on the work of:Commemorating the nearly 12 million Africans involved in the Middle Passage of the transatlantic human trade.Researching and identifying ports of entry for Africans during the 350 years of the transatlantic human tradeEncouraging local communities to hold remembrance ceremonies at each of the 90 documented Middle Passage port sites in the United States of AmericaSupporting the installation of historic markers to establish a permanent record honoring those who died and those who survived the Middle PassageEducating the community about the vital role that Africans and their descendants played in the development of both local areas and the nationPartnering with historical and cultural societies, academic institutions, churches, visitor and tourist bureaus, and community organizations to promote African Diaspora history and culture, especially related to the Middle Passage.MPCPMP has identified 90 U.S. Middle Passage arrival sites, those locations where Africans first placed their feet after leaving the African continent. Thus far, with our support, and occasional prodding, 40 Middle Passage markers are installed from New Hampshire to Texas commemorating the lives of these ancestors. More than 100 community people have taken on the responsibility of managing and promoting Middle Passage History in their areas. We have also successfully petitioned UNESCO to designate all 90 arrival locations as Sites of Memory in association with its "Routes of Enslaved Peoples Project."