A Sacred Place in Montgomery, New York
Embracing the rich and culturally inclusive history of all Americans.
OUR MISSION
We aim to uncover the missing history of the Black and Indigenous Natives here in the Town of Montgomery and of the Greater Hudson Valley.
Our Goal is to create a legacy of remembrance and continuance for the Sacred Place of My Ancestors. Through historical findings, development of curriculum, community education, and cultural celebration, we strive to recreate a more accurate and inclusive narrative of our history which promotes cross-cultural dialogue and exchange for people of all colors and nationalities to engender a more united and harmonious Hudson Valley.
OUR VISION
-Creating and Maintaining a Sacred Place for Our Ancestors
-Education of Missing History
-Embracing All of American History
-Community Inclusion and Engagement
-Cultural Awareness and Acceptance
-Healing Generational Wounds
-Celebration and Having Fun!
WHO ARE WE?
Sacred Place of My Ancestors (SPOMA) COMMITTEE
We are a group of community members within the Hudson Valley joined together through the Town of Montgomery to renovate and revitalize The Historical Colored and Native American Cemetery on County Route 416.
We are a group of individuals with our own unique political, social, cultural, and moral values. When we come together as a collective we merge all titles and affiliations into one cause. We commune and organize as fellow human beings for the purpose of remembrance, acceptance, forgiveness, and healing.
We accept the role and responsibilities as Guardians of The Sacred Place of My Ancestors. We reserve the right to uphold the mission, promote dignity, honor the contributions, and the legacy of a people who would have all been forgotten. We affirm the right to protect the names, character, memory, history, labor, victories and losses endured by the people of this land.
We are a committee unified in purpose promoting truth, love, healing, and hope for the continuance of a diverse and inclusive Montgomery and Greater Hudson Valley.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
COMMUNITY
We have commissioned renowned Artist and Sculptress Ms. Vinnie Bagwell as the lead project manager and director under the Town of Montgomery to renovate, revitalize, and establish a healing destination
for the Sacred Place of My Ancestors.
We are researching and collecting extensive information concerning the history of this historic burial and neighboring burial sites. In addition we
are rediscovering documented information connected to families of Black Americans and Indigenous People within the Town of Montgomery. Through adoption of the Resolution to create and maintain a record of research submitted to the Town Board of Montgomery, we aim to uncover the missing history of the Black and Indigenous Natives here in the Town
of Montgomery and of the Greater Hudson Valley.
We Honor Black History Month with Remembrance and Celebration. Last year we honored Black History Month with a Wreath Laying Ceremony introducing the Sacred Place of My Ancestors as a future destination for remembrance and healing. We plan to create an annual presentation of honor and remembrance through creative ceremony and celebration.
We Honor the memory of George Floyd and those who have fallen victim
to police brutality and wrong doing as a result of racism and unconscious bias. Last year we honored their memory with a ceremonial reverence to the Ancestors, a Say Their Name tribute, and Native traditional Butterfly Release offering a Sacred healing space of transformation, change, hope, and renewal.ย
We Honor Juneteenth Day with Tradition and Celebration. Last Year we launched our 1st Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration with intentions of growing the celebration to include a larger variety of culture and tradition that represents Black Americans and their freedom from legalized slavery.
We Honor Indigenous People’s Day with reverence to Native Americans, their stories, and contributions to this diverse America. In 2022 we paid tribute by presenting a resolution to create and maintain the research and records of the Indigenous Tribes and Traditions. We plan to continue bridging divides through creative means for inclusion of oral traditions and stories shared by Members of the Indigenous Tribes here in the TOM and Greater Hudson Valley.
