Gates joins fellow Harvard professor and historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, who was named honorary co-chairwoman several months ago.

Gates and Ulrich are lending their names and their support to the campaign to create the African Burying Ground Memorial Park on Chestnut Street.

"The committee is delighted to have Dr. Gates as honorary co-chair for this project," said committee chairwoman Vernis Jackson. "With Dr. Gates' help nationally, we expect this community will bring the memorial park to fruition in recognition of those buried in this sacred space."