Exhibit: Black People and the Battle of Brooklyn

Join Prospect Park Alliance for two impactful exhibits that celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black individuals in Brooklyn's history.

The first exhibit, "Black People and the Battle of Brooklyn," highlights the significant roles that Black people played in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776, showcasing their experiences as soldiers, spies, and laborers for both sides. It delves into the complex history of enslaved Africans associated with the Lefferts family and their navigation of the American War for Independence, particularly at Battle Pass in Prospect Park.

The second exhibit, "The Shirley Chisholm Way: Brooklyn's Blueprint for Change," focuses on the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. This exhibit, organized with the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute, center around seven life lessons from her groundbreaking career. It features striking portraits and rare memorabilia that reflect her fight against gender and racial barriers. This tribute to Chisholm's legacy aligns with Prospect Park Alliance's ReImagine Lefferts initiative, which aims to honor the histories of Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans.

Together, these exhibits highlight historical narratives of resistance, resilience, and community empowerment, inviting visitors to reflect on these important legacies as Prospect Park Alliance looks forward to installing a monument in Chisholm’s honor in 2027.