The New Ring Shout

This public art installation commemorates the 18th century African Burial Ground, partially excavated in 1992. In the tradition of world ceremonial markings, it features a forty foot diameter illuminated terrazzo and polished brass "dance" floor and is designed as a tribute to the thousands of Africans, Indians and Europeans buried there. Commissioned by the US General Services Administration's Art in Architecture Program

The design of the work is in the tradition of world ceremonial ground markings and the name is after the historical ring shout dance of celebration performed throughout North America and the Caribbean. The work contains a multi-layering of patterns, symbols and texts and languages and is intended to foster greater cultural awareness, racial harmony and understanding.