Celebrating Black History Month

DDC is proud to contribute to the construction of monuments and institutions that support the multitude of cultures that comprise New York City. In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting our projects that acknowledge the contribution and achievements of Black Americans in the United States and beyond.

Harriet Tubman Plaza
In 2007, DDC completed a memorial to Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and humanitarian who led enslaved families to freedom during the 19th century. At the intersection of St. Nichols Avenue, Frederic Douglass Boulevard, West 121st and West 122nd streets in Manhattan, a bronze figurative sculpture of Harriet Tubman stands as a reminder of her heroism. Along with managing the process of the sculpture installation, DDC ensured that the monument would be preserved for years to come, with water main and sewer replacements, along with work on surrounding roadways, curbs, sidewalks and street lights.

Duke Ellington Circle
The northeast corner of Central Park is home to a sculpture of Duke Ellington, one of the most legendary composers and musicians in the history of modern music. Ellington was a key figure in New York City during the 1920s and 30s, famously known for his performances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. DDC oversaw the installation of the sculpture and its surrounding area, including the planting of trees and the construction of pedestrian walkways.

Frederick Douglass Circle
In the final phase of building what’s come to be known as the Harlem Gateway, Frederick Douglass Circle sits at the intersection of Central Park West and 110th Street, celebrating the life one of the most famous American orators of all time. After escaping slavery in 1838, Frederick Douglass went on to advise Abraham Lincoln and hold public offices that worked to improve the lives of women and African Americans alike. Frederick Douglass Circle is the collaboration of two artists—Algernon Miller for the site design and Gabriel Koren for the sculpture. Completed in 2010, the project also included street reconstruction, water main and sewer replacement.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Located on Malcolm X Boulevard in Manhattan, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is devoted to collecting and preserving documents that reflect the experiences of people of African descent throughout the world. The Center’s library was curated by Puerto Rican-born Black scholar Arturo Alfonso Schomburg until his death in 1938. DDC oversaw the renovation of the 16,000-square-foot building, ensuring the preservation of the Center’s collection, which is comprised of more than 5 million items, including recordings, photographs, prints, and manuscripts.

Weeksville Heritage Center
Located in Brooklyn, Weeksville is one of the few preserved historical sites of pre-Civil War African-American communities.  As a gateway to the three remaining 19th century Weeksville homes, the Weeksville Heritage Center offers education, programming, performances and research facilities. The building serves as a modern counterpoint to the historic site, allowing visitors to experience African American culture of the past and present. DDC completed the project for the Department of Cultural Affairs in 2013, and the building has since received many awards, including LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.