Historic Unity Cemetery
Site Brief:
Founded: March 1901
Location: Rocky Mount, NC
Additional name(s): Unity Cemetery, Colored Cemetery
Affiliate group(s):
NC State Archives
Division of Natural Resources Commission
African American Heritage Commission
History:
Unity Cemetery in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was formally established March 13, 1901. Located in Edgecombe County, the 18-acre cemetery is one of the oldest African American cemeteries in Eastern North Carolina. The historic site is divided into eight sections and is the resting place of civic leaders, military veterans, and many other influential and notable African Americans.
The North Carolina General Assembly enacts the incorporation of The Unity Cemetery Association of the Town of Rocky Mount in 1901. Citizens listed as incorporators are Jerry J. Cook(e), Fred Simpson, John D. Boddie, Richmond Lawrence, Jason W. Joyner, James Sessoms, Jr., R. E. Young, Isaac Wells, Thomas H. Boddie, Bradford Battle, their associates, and successors. In 1936 Unity Cemetery was sold to Chauncey C. Stokes. The Stokes family operated Stokes Mortuary until 2017.
