ENSLAVEMENT TO FREEDOM THROUGH NYS PARKS

Enslavement to Freedom through Parks is a multi-year educational (interpretative) and commemorative public education initiative highlighting the underexplored histories of Africans in early New York. The need for a logo was presented to brand the initiative and promote this historic heritage and rich collection, as well as raise awareness about the diversity of New York State’s history.

The final logo mark (seen center) provides a visual representation of both enslavement and freedom. It is a combination of Adinkra symbols, which are symbols from Ghana that represent concepts or aphorisms. The Epa symbolizes slavery and the slave trade while discouraging all forms of it while the Fawohodie symbolizes emancipation and freedom. Alongside the final logo are a plethora of options once considered.