The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is making significant strides in the preservation of historically Black cemeteries across the United States. Recently, the fund awarded grants to two cemeteries, highlighting the importance of these sites in honoring the legacy of Black Americans.
The importance of Black cemeteries
Historically, Black cemeteries have served as the only places where Black Americans could be buried with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, systemic racism and neglect have left many of these sacred grounds in disrepair or abandoned. While local communities have often stepped up to maintain these sites, national organizations are now joining the effort to restore and preserve these important cultural landmarks.
Recent grants awarded
According to Capital B News, the Action Fund recently granted $50,000 to Woodlawn Cemetery, a historic site located in the Bronx, New York. This expansive 400-acre cemetery is the final resting place for over 300,000 individuals, including notable figures from the Harlem Renaissance such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Cicely Tyson.
In addition to the funding, the cemetery is launching an initiative called “Where Harlem Rests.” This series aims to honor the lives of those buried at Woodlawn through tours and events starting in 2025, allowing the community to connect with the rich history of these Black pioneers and icons.
Community engagement and historical significance
“We’ve got this really substantial African American and Afro-Caribbean population here at Woodlawn, and that’s why we decided to go for this grant money,” said Susan Olsen, the cemetery’s director of historical services, according to Black Enterprise. “It’s time to really get the community to think beyond the Gilded Age at Woodlawn and beyond the jazz greats to the folks that made it happen in Harlem during the Renaissance.”
The Action Fund, launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2017, has allocated over $3 million to historical and cultural Black sites this year alone. Grants range from $50,000 to $155,000, aimed at sustaining these vital establishments for future generations.
Quotes from the Action Fund
On their website, Brent Leggs, executive director of the fund, emphasized the importance of these preservation efforts: “History is crucial to our nation’s understanding of where we’ve come from, who we are today, and how we envision our future. These grants will support critical preservation efforts to revitalize and sustain tangible links to our shared past that we hope will inspire future generations.”
Other cemeteries in need
In addition to Woodlawn, the Pierce Chapel African Cemetery in Midland, Georgia, also received funding. This cemetery, which began around 1827 as a burial ground for enslaved people, has suffered significant deterioration over the years. Today, tiny flags mark the locations of graves, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives that once were.
The efforts of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund are crucial in preserving the history and dignity of Black cemeteries across the nation. By providing financial support and promoting community engagement, these initiatives ensure that the stories of those who came before us are not forgotten. As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize and honor the contributions of Black Americans, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.
