The leader of Staten Island’s historic free black community celebrates important milestone

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Sylvia Moody D’Alessandro, the fearless leader of the decades-long preservation of the history of Sandy Ground – the country’s oldest free black settlement still inhabited by descendants of its pioneers – celebrated a major milestone last week many other community leaders, African American community activists, and an extensive list of family and friends.

She was 85.

Moody D’Alessandro made a grand entrance at the Crystal Room in South Beach on September 22 with her husband Robert D’Alessandro on her arm to attend a gala party planned by her daughter Julie Moody Lewis. But it wasn’t just any birthday celebration with food, drink and music. The party was a tribute to everything Moody D’Alessandro has accomplished for Sandy Ground and the people of Staten Island over the years. In fact, a long list of speakers lined up to not only wish her a happy and happy birthday, but also share stories about their relationship with her.

“It’s really nice to see people I’ve known my whole life in one room… There’s a lot of love in that room. I am very grateful,” said Moody D’Alessandro about the event.

The first speaker was Brian J. Laline, editor in chief of the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com, who recalled how Moody D’Alessandro was named an Advance Woman of Achievement in 1998.

“The first time I stood in front of a group of people like this was in 1998… That’s when I gave all of us in this room and all of our readers the opportunity to know who you really are. And we found out that you are not just Sylvia D’Alessandro the historian, Sylvia D’Alessandro the visionary, Sylvia D’Alessandro the courageous woman, you are Sylvia D’Alessandro the committed woman,” he said.

“Sandy Ground is the story of America. It is a national story. …It tells a cultural story. It is a story of resilience and passion of people who wanted what America should stand for – the land of the free. It was her passion to be free and it tells your story and if it wasn’t for you, Sylvia, if you didn’t teach your daughter and your family, that story might very well have been lost,” he added.

The words of a daughter

Speaking about her mother’s milestone, Moody Lewis said: “I was raised by a woman who was God-fearing, wise, kind and compassionate. She is so selfless. Her husband, child, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews, cousins ​​and friends carry her in their hearts. She is a woman of good character and integrity.”

“She is someone who cares. …She is a perfect reflection of God’s grace. I can only pray that I live up to her expectations as a daughter, mother and human being. She never ceases to amaze me. It’s clear that I’m not the only one who loves and truly admires her. She is well respected and very popular,” she added.

Retired College of Staten Island professor Charles Thomas, who directed the Willowbrook-based school’s African studies program, sang a song he performed at Moody D’Alessandro’s wedding in Yoruba, a language spoken by the Yoruba people in Nigerian and which conveys the message: “What God has created cannot be destroyed.”

An inspiration for many

And still others spoke about how Sylvia has proven to be an inspiration in their lives.

“Today we celebrate not just another year in your incredible life, but 85 years of strength, grace and unyielding commitment to our shared history and future,” said Bobby Digi Olisa, community leader, organizer and executive director of Canvas Institute.

“Your leadership at Sandy Ground is a beacon of hope and resilience…I am continually inspired by your unwavering commitment to preserving the rich legacy of our ancestors while creating new opportunities for future generations. Your friendship and mentorship have been a true blessing to me,” he added.

Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo said: “Thank you for allowing us to dream and achieve our dreams.” Because of the courage you have shown, we cannot be what we cannot see, and we are so blessed to see you.”

Room decor included posters with QR codes to SILive.com stories about Moody D’Alessandro and her contributions to the community. The event was moderated by Thomas Wilson, board member of the Sandy Ground Historical Society and a descendant of the community.

History of sandy soil

Sandy Ground was settled in the 1820s and is the third documented community in New York where African Americans owned land, according to the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. The first recorded black landowners in Sandy Ground were Moses K. and Silas K. Harris, brothers from New Jersey who originally came to the area to work as gardeners.

In the 1850s, African-American oystermen from Maryland were drawn to the area because of Raritan Bay’s abundant oyster beds. During the 19th and 20th centuries the community became self-sufficient and prospered, hosting a range of professionals and craftsmen, from blacksmiths and shopkeepers to teachers and midwives.

A historian

For decades, Moody D’Alessandro spoke to audiences throughout New York City about the significance of Sandy Ground, including the belief that the community served as a “stop” on the Underground Railroad, which ran across the country from 1830 to about 1865, aiding runaway slaves from the south flee to the northern states and Canada.

Moody D’Alessandro, an enthusiastic artist, began painting scenes from life in Sandy Ground in the past in her later years. Her art collection has been exhibited at various locations in New York City.

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