Lexington: Community gathers to discuss next steps for memorializing graves of formerly enslaved people
St. Stephen United Methodist Church was the setting for a recent meeting to gather ideas for ways to honor the graves of formerly enslaved people of African descent, located in the oldest section of the Lexington City Cemetery.
Thus far, approximately thirty-two graves have been identified in a space that is 3,800 square feet with the potential for more. All of the burials predate the Civil War.
The meeting was beneficial in identifying the next steps with both the scale and the funding of the proposed memorial. Citizens spoke and shared numerous ideas of how they feel the site should be properly recognized then memorialized.
Suggestions ranged from the most basic need of replacing the current makeshift memorial with something more prominent to the addition of landscaping, sculpture and even a time capsule.
The community is invited to share in the fulfillment of this project through the submission of design ideas and by helping to raise the funds required to complete this vision.
The spearhead of the project, Tyrone Terry, offered encouragement and spoke of the sheer importance of moving forward with a proper memorial. In addition, the crowd was also addressed by Judge Rosalind Baker, Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly then Tammy Absher and Johnnie Taylor representing the City of Lexington.
There will be a special ceremony hosted by the Lexington Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at the gravesite on February 18, 2024 beginning at 3:00 PM. This event is open to the public.
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Have you ever seen a Yucca Plant in or near a cemetery? Yucca Plants were historically used as headstones and markers in cemeteries by enslaved and free people of African descent.
