Today! Reclaiming Black Cemeteries is Resistance!

As part of the 22nd Annual Gabriel Gathering and Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground Commemoration, the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project and Shockoe Bottom Community Advisory Group is facilitating a special convening of groups that represent and advocate for the reclamation, protection and preservation of African and African American cemeteries of Richmond, Virginia, and beyond.

Representatives from the following cemeteries will be present:

1. Barton Heights Cemeteries, Richmond, Virginia
2. Cheesecake Cemetery, York County, Virginia
3. East End Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
4. Evergreen Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
5. Fredrick Douglass Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia
6. Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond and Henrico, Virginia
7. Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground, Richmond, Virginia
8. Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, Richmond, Virginia
9. Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia
10. Woodland Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia

Through presentations, short films and group discussions, we will explore our various methods for claiming and asserting the right to protect and preserve historic Black cemeteries as well as examining past acts of resistance. We firmly believe that this work is no less an act of resistance against the dehumanization of a people than an insurrection against the institution of slavery.

Thank you to our gracious hosts at The Valentine for providing the meeting space and sponsoring our lunches which are provided by Chef Ausar AriAnkh of Kitchen Magician Catering.