409 Schenectady Street, Schenectady, New York 12307, United States
Jerry Burrell Unity Park: The Life & Legacy Jerry Burrell
Who was Jerry Burrell and why is there a park in Schenectady named after him?
A talented African American artist and activist, Jerry Burrell was Program Director at the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in the 1970s. He loved African American art and taught others to love too. He even helped to bring the celebration of Kwanzaa to the Capital Region.
Jerry died tragically in 1978, a beloved son and respected member of the Hamilton Hill community.
Despite suffering from Appendicitis, an easily treatable condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed causing immense pain, hospital staff ignored his cries until a local African American doctor, Dr. James Cunningham, insisted on his being admitted. Unfortunately, it was too late. His appendix had ruptured.
Jerry Burrell died needlessly at age 36 as a victim of medical racism.
Being ignored by medical providers is still a common experience for African Americans.
Before he died, Hamilton Hill residents and organizations had successfully pushed for the creation of a proper park for the residents of Hamilton Hill since they experienced exclusion from other Schenectady parks. To honor his contributions, the park was renamed Jerry Burrell Park.
Projects
A Learning Path and Portal
A learning path and portal with informational signage, learning games, and links to learn or share more about Jerry Burrell will be installed throughout the park. The learning path and portal is being created in collaboration with the Hamilton Hill community.
Basket Ball Court Mural: Leon Lane
Art and community were the heart & soul of Jerry Leon Burrell.
On this path you’ll see a dynamic mural on the basketball court showing love and respect to Hamilton Hill. The design includes influences from Jerry Burrell's art and Life as well as legends & loved ones from the Hamilton Hill Community.
It's also graced by a beautiful painting made by Jerry.
Raé Frasier was the lead artist on the Basketball court mural.
Through our Mother's eyes: Mother's Way
A mural series entitled "Through Our Mothers' Eyes" depicts 5 mothers with their beloved sons, whose contributions were cut short by acts of racial injustice. This includes Jerry Burrell.
This mural series communicates that we are not who they say we are, we define ourselves for ourselves, we are loved family members making a contribution, defined by our mother's love.
These murals were created by local artist Bianca Dilella.
The Principled Path
Jerry’s revolutionary life exemplified the powerful principles we celebrate as part of Kwanzaa’s Nguzo Saba: The Seven Principles of African Heritage.
We’ve invited local artist ObaRoEne to tell Jerry's story through a series of Kwanzaa-inspired murals that illustrates how Jerry's life followed the principled path.
Will you follow the path?