Queens United: Building a Descendant Community Network

Abstract

In recent years, several academic and cultural heritage institutions have joined forces to share best practices for engaging with the descendants of individuals whose enslavement contributed to the prosperity of these institutions. However, there is still a need for more testimony from these descendants, particularly regarding their support systems that existed long before many institutions began their outreach efforts. As both descendants of the same enslaved family and representatives of their institutions, the authors draw upon their unique perspectives to provide insight into the foundation of their emerging descendant network. By highlighting three members of this network—Aisha L. Abdul Rahman, Irving Gaither, and Robin Proudie—readers will gain a better understanding of the spiritual foundations, skills, experiences, and sophistication present in these networks. These insights will enhance the readers' cultural competency.