Enslaved Africans' Rain Garden, Yonkers

About Enslaved Africans' Rain Garden

Enslaved Africans' Rain Garden is a public art installation in Yonkers created by artist Vinnie Bagwell that commemorates the lives and legacy of enslaved Africans who were freed by New York law decades before the Emancipation Proclamation. Visitors encounter bronze sculptures depicting daily life and the human experiences of men, women, and children stripped of their rights, rendered in candid detail that testifies to the resilience of the human spirit. The garden features individual artworks including pieces named ISatta, Themba, Bibi, Sola, and Olumide. The site supports civic engagement through public forums, exhibitions, and artist talks where visitors learn about local history and the creative process behind public art. Educational programming and social media platforms extend learning opportunities beyond the garden itself. The installation suits anyone interested in African American history, public art, sculpture, and the stories of the African diaspora in the region.