Black Cemeteries

With the 160th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in April, exploring the relationship between Black cemeteries and Rock Creek Park is an important way to understand the legacies of the emancipated individuals buried in these cemeteries. Understanding Black cemeteries can be complex, but looking at how the land is recognized and how people view those buried in these cemeteries gives us better insight. Often the case with African American cemeteries, remains have not been treated with care. Understanding how cemeteries fit into our park history (and people's expectations of recreation in them) is key to how we can reconcile and restore past injustices.

Join Rock Creek Conservancy, Rock Creek Park, and cemetery experts as we host a virtual conversation about the intersection of race, history, and Rock Creek Park.

The discussion will feature Lisa Fager, Executive Director of the Mt. Zion - Female Union Band Society Historic Memorial Park, Inc; Mary Belcher, member of the Walter Pierce Park Cemeteries Project; and Dr. Jarrod Burks, an archaeologist with expertise in Black cemeteries. The panel, moderated by Julia Washburn, superintendent of Rock Creek Park, will explore issues and opportunities related to Black cemeteries in and near Rock Creek Park.

Register here : https://publicevents.secure.force.com/volunteerEventRegisterPageBootstrap?cid=7014u000001NUDpAAO

A zoom link will be sent to all registered participants on the day of the event.

Learn more about our partners for this event:

https://walterpierceparkcemeteries.org/

https://www.mtzion-fubs.org/