Dedication of the Memorial Tree Grove
Judith Gordon and Frank Johnson dedication of Memorial Tree Grove plaque with names of Ancestors
Descendants moved from the Libation Ceremony at the Remembrance Structure to the Memorial Tree Grove to dedicate the trees planted in honor of the enslaved ancestors. The plaque was unveiled at Menokin’s First Descendants’ Day, and is now installed at the entrance to the Memorial Tree Grove.
As the descendants moved to this area, they were each given a white carnation as an offering to the ancestors. The flowers symbolized "blooming", and the white symbolized the "protection" the group wants the ancestors to provide. Omiyemi led the ceremony, as descendants participated in rituals at the tree designated as "The Tree of Remembrance". The ceremony concluded with carnations placed at the base of the tree as an offering to the ancestors.
Photographs by Michael Beller, Reginald A. Pearman Jr., and Attendees.
