We connect people and projects working to counter black cemetery erasures.
Our Story
The Black Cemetery Network [BCN] was founded in response to the national call to action to raise awareness about the issue of erasure and silencing of black cemeteries throughout the U.S. These cemeteries contain stories about people, place, and families which are often missing from the larger public narrative. Our network connects living records of forgotten histories through research, advocacy, and collaboration.
Become a part of our story.
Join the network today.
current initatives
Virtual Archive
The BCN archive is a comprehensive directory of African American cemeteries throughout the U.S., including those which have been neglected, displaced, or are currently at-risk of erasure.
Research
The AABGP conducts site-specific research on black cemeteries which have been neglected, partially relocated, developed on, and/or lost entirely. The study focuses on uncovering hidden histories using archival data and oral histories to help promote preservation of these sites.
Advocacy
Black cemeteries throughout the U.S. have been neglected, mismanaged, or lost entirely due to social injustices and inequitable treatment of African American communities, families, and ancestors. We created the hashtag #BlackGravesMatter to help raise awareness of this issue. Help us spread the word!
Look closely at the present you are constructing: It should look like the future you are dreaming.
ALICE WALKER