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African-Americans have been part of New York since the days of New Amsterdam, but their relationship to the dominant Western society is complex and difficult. Public art throughout the city reflects the changing dynamics: a marker for the original slave market has only been set up recently; the African Burial Ground had been built over and neglected until its discovery in the 1990s and now is graced with a very impressive memorial. Several 19th century sculptures include African Americans, but it's only in recent times that we are catching up on filling in the historical gaps and honoring people like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and other influential people. Increasingly more African American artists have recently been commissioned to create public art works for NYC. The greatest contributions by Black artists though can be found throughout the subway system and in street art - immediate and convincing and definitely most inspirational!