Wall Street New York
NYC's slave market
In the USA, February is Black History Month. Then, white shame rises like cream and people ask, “What can I do to assuage the mountain ranges of guilt that sprout from immoral acts like slavery?”
Commodity trading in non-white human beings was introduced to Manhattan in 1626. In 1711, the city made the Wall and Pearl Street intersection its official market site for their sale and rental.
A law for gradual abolition happened in 1799; after that date, children born to slave mothers were free but required to work as indentured servants for their mother's owner. Existing slaves kept their status. Remaining slaves were freed on July 4, 1827.
There is more to learn at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC.
Trading in humans as a commodity was the economic engine that propelled the United States to economic (and at that time, agricultural) dominance --- the state of ‘King Cotton’ --- and the globalization of that industry.
Some companies that benefited from the trans-Atlantic slave trade include Lehman Brothers (bankrupted 2008), JPMorgan Chase, Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, Aetna Insurance and the Bank of America. Banks made loans to slave owners, accepting slaves as “collateral”. When slave owners defaulted on their loans, banks became slave owners.
A cynic might say that, in a way, nothing has changed. Kenneth T. Jackson, a Columbia University professor of New York City history says “There is no future in denying the past.”
June 19 --- Juneteenth --- is the day commemorating the day slaves in the South were emancipated.
About this spot
Wall Street 95
- 24 hours daily
US$
free
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
