If you have been to Evergreen, you’ll kinda *get* the juxtaposition here – the beauty of these flowers against the setting of the neglected resting place for some of Richmond’s most prominent black social servants and contributors.
My descendents are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, and I have been appalled by the conditions that have been allowed to exist there. To add insult to injury, I was shocked to learn that Blacks would rather be buried in Oakwood Cemetery beside confederate soldiers, as opposed to maintaining an orderly Black cemetery such as Evergreen. I would love someone to explain why integrating with the enemies of our ancestors would be preferred rather than being responsible for keeping up the appearance of a Black cemetery. Those Richmond AAmers that don’t know where Evergreen Cemetery is located should hang their heads in shame!! They should see the disgusting and embarrassing photos on ‘flickr.com.’
I understand your point Home Up Top, but there is a Confederate section at Oakwood. They’re not being buried among Confederates. Besides, when you’re dead, you’re dead. You don’t care where you are and it is where all are equal. Let the past die.
I would rather be buried at Hollywood Cemetery facing the Richmond skyline… but oh no! Jefferson Davis is there! Forget that nonsense. People can choose to be buried wherever they please.
Maggie L. Walker and her families grave plot is there and maybe the only site that is slightly kept up with, but not really. How is it that no one is paying attention to her grave. sometimes i take flowers there, but certainly i would think the foundation would do something.
We are always looking for volunteers to come out and join the efforts within the cemetery or in the libraries.
If you are a family member we will help you and your family locate your family plot so that you can gain access to clean it up.
Collectively there are over 25 sites within Evergreen where familes come out to clean off their plots. I am always happy to see them pull up with their mowers hanging out the back. Some long time family members have keys to the gate. That is why people don’t generally see them on Saturdays.
I have been going out for over 13 years, cleaning and such. I can remember when we cleaned 8 EIGHT ACRES!!!! The families came out thanked and us and never returned, until recently to say that they plot was over grown. I told them that we needed their help to maintain the plots. If you can’t afford someone to come out then bring a mower and cut.
The owners are not required to maintain the graves if the families did not purchase perpetual care plans.
John and the volunteers only work in the historic sections of the cemetery. Those sites have been identified and those sections are the areas that is within the masterplan.
Please visit the Historic Cemeteries website if you would like to volunteer or if you would like to learn how you can help with the project.
Pretty pic. Where is evergreen cemetery?
Just east of Oakwood Cemetery and the East End dump, in the woods beside Richmond Road.
There’s a car entrance on Stony Run Pkwy up a ways on the right just before you cross over 64. Parts of the cemetery are less overgrown there.
If you have been to Evergreen, you’ll kinda *get* the juxtaposition here – the beauty of these flowers against the setting of the neglected resting place for some of Richmond’s most prominent black social servants and contributors.
Thanks for posting this beautiful pic, John.
My descendents are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, and I have been appalled by the conditions that have been allowed to exist there. To add insult to injury, I was shocked to learn that Blacks would rather be buried in Oakwood Cemetery beside confederate soldiers, as opposed to maintaining an orderly Black cemetery such as Evergreen. I would love someone to explain why integrating with the enemies of our ancestors would be preferred rather than being responsible for keeping up the appearance of a Black cemetery. Those Richmond AAmers that don’t know where Evergreen Cemetery is located should hang their heads in shame!! They should see the disgusting and embarrassing photos on ‘flickr.com.’
here: Evergreen Cemetery (Richmond, Virginia) Flickr group
I understand your point Home Up Top, but there is a Confederate section at Oakwood. They’re not being buried among Confederates. Besides, when you’re dead, you’re dead. You don’t care where you are and it is where all are equal. Let the past die.
I would rather be buried at Hollywood Cemetery facing the Richmond skyline… but oh no! Jefferson Davis is there! Forget that nonsense. People can choose to be buried wherever they please.
Maggie L. Walker and her families grave plot is there and maybe the only site that is slightly kept up with, but not really. How is it that no one is paying attention to her grave. sometimes i take flowers there, but certainly i would think the foundation would do something.
We are always looking for volunteers to come out and join the efforts within the cemetery or in the libraries.
If you are a family member we will help you and your family locate your family plot so that you can gain access to clean it up.
Collectively there are over 25 sites within Evergreen where familes come out to clean off their plots. I am always happy to see them pull up with their mowers hanging out the back. Some long time family members have keys to the gate. That is why people don’t generally see them on Saturdays.
I have been going out for over 13 years, cleaning and such. I can remember when we cleaned 8 EIGHT ACRES!!!! The families came out thanked and us and never returned, until recently to say that they plot was over grown. I told them that we needed their help to maintain the plots. If you can’t afford someone to come out then bring a mower and cut.
The owners are not required to maintain the graves if the families did not purchase perpetual care plans.
John and the volunteers only work in the historic sections of the cemetery. Those sites have been identified and those sections are the areas that is within the masterplan.
Please visit the Historic Cemeteries website if you would like to volunteer or if you would like to learn how you can help with the project.
http://historiccemeteries.parks.officelive.com/default.aspx
Veronica A. Davis