Saving African American Cemeteries

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Comment by Angela Walton-Raji on July 10, 2009 at 9:13am

The story of the Burr Cemetery in Chicago and the destruction of the graves is a painful story to watch as it unfolds.

Comment by Angela Walton-Raji on July 10, 2009 at 8:47am

One of the things that I have learned is that often times, cemetery preservation is a labor of love. A good friend in Oklahoma has established a good relationship with the country commissioners and has obtained assistance from the county to have abandoned graveyards cleaned at least 3 times a year. The remaining time the ground have to be sprayed to retard weeds overtaking it completely, but he has had some success with at least 2 cemeteries. BUT---you are right---funds are scarce.

Comment by Porsha A. Williams on July 9, 2009 at 4:48pm

Thanks Angela! Hello back to you! I'm in the process of trying to contact the man (or his family) that still owns the land of the cemetary a good portion of my family members are buried on. Apparently, it's off a county road that houses an old, derelict house and shed, and unproductive farm land. Sadly, the man has not been in touch with me again since I mailed him. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he would eventually get back with me! If you know anything about getting monterary assistance for the upkeep of the land, please share - I haven't been able to find anything yet!

Comment by Angela Walton-Raji on July 9, 2009 at 4:38pm

Just thought I would send a friendly hello. Cemetery preservation is also one of my strong interests! Glad to see this group!

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