"African American Cemeteries and Their Communities" Symposium

“African American Cemeteries and Their Communities,” a symposium hosted by the Durham Black Burial Grounds Collaboratory at North Carolina Central University’s School of Nursing Auditorium on September 12 (keynote address by Dr. Antoinette Jackson) and September 13 (roundtables with multiple guests). Those interested can see the attached flyer for more information, and https://www.aacemeteries.com/ for the full schedule.

Why we gather

This one-day symposium brings together diverse stakeholders - descendants, reclamation organizations, and academics/researchers - to foster collaboration in the sensitive and vital work of preserving African American cemeteries and honoring the communities they represent. While united by a common goal (and sometimes featuring overlapping membership), each group brings distinct perspectives, expertise, and interests to the table. The symposium encourages respectful dialogue, acknowledging these differences while recognizing shared goals. It focuses on contributing to, and disseminating, best practices and robust processes necessary for these distinct stakeholders to work in sustainable, ethical relationships with one another for the good of these historic, fragile, and deeply beloved burial sites.