Staten Island leader of historic free Black community celebrates major milestone

STATEN ISLAND, NY — The fearless leader of preserving the history of Sandy Ground — the oldest free Black settlement in the nation still inhabited by decedents of its pioneers — for decades, Sylvia Moody D’Alessandro celebrated a major milestone last week and was joined many other community leaders, activists in the African American community, as well as an extensive list of family and friends.

She turned 85.

Moody D’Alessandro with her husband, Robert D’Alessandro on her arm, made a grand entrance into the Crystal Room, South Beach on Sept. 22, to enjoy a gala party planned by her daughter, Julie Moody Lewis. But it wasn’t just any milestone birthday party with food, drink and music. The party was a tribute to all 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 well and happy birthday, but to tell stories about their relationship with her.

“It is really good to see people I know all my life in one room…There’s a lot of love in this room. I am very grateful,” said Moody D’Alessandro of the event.

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

“The first time I got to stand in front of a group of people like this was 1998…Back then, I gave all of us in that room, and all of our readers the opportunity to learn who you really are. And what we discovered was that you are not only Sylvia D’Alessandro the historian, Sylvia D’Alessandro the visionary, Sylvia D’Alessandro the courageous woman, you are Sylvia D’Alessandro the dedicated woman,” he said.

“Sandy Ground is the story of America. It’s a national story. …It tells a cultural story. It’s a story of resilience and of the passion of people who wanted what America was supposed to stand for — the land of the free. “It was their passion to be free, and it tells your story, and if not for you, Sylvia, if not for what you instilled in your daughter and your family, that story could have very well been lost,” he added.

A Daughter’s Words

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

“She is one who nurtures. …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 person. She never stops to amaze me. It is clear that I am not the only one who loves and truly admires her. “She is highly regarded and highly favored,” she added.

Retired College of Staten Island Professor Charles Thomas, who headed up 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 Nigeria that conveys the message: “ What God has made, cannot be destroyed.”

An Inspiration to Many

And yet others spoke about how Sylvia has proved 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, a community leader, organizer and executive director of the Canvas Institute.

“Your leadership at Sandy Ground stands as a beacon of hope, resilience…I’m constantly inspired by your unwavering dedication to preserving the rich legacy of our ancestors while building new possibilities for future generations. “Your friendship and mentorship have been a true blessing to me,” he added.

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

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

Sandy Ground History

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

In the 1850s African American oystermen from Maryland became attracted to the area because of the abundant oyster beds of the Raritan Bay. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the community became self-sufficient and thrived as it housed a range of professionals and tradesmen, from blacksmiths and store owners to teachers and midwives.

A Historian

For decades Moody D’Alessandro would speak to audiences across New York City about the significance of Sandy Ground, including the belief that the community served as a “station” of the Underground Railroad, which operated throughout the country from 1830 to about 1865 helping runaway slaves from the South escape to Northern states and Canada.

An avid artist, Moody D’Alessandro in her later years started painting scenes of life in Sandy Ground in the past. Her artwork collection has been displayed in various locations throughout New York City.

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