Rep. McEachin introduces bill to preserve historical African-American burial grounds
Rep. McEachin introduces bill to preserve historical African-American burial grounds
Matthew Fultz
14 hours ago
https://wtvr.com/2019/02/23/congressman-donald-mceachin-historical-african-american-burial-grounds/
RICHMOND, Va. -- Saturday marked a major step forward for preservation at historic cemeteries as Congressman Donald McEachin introduced the African American Burial Grounds Network Act.
"These folks did at Evergreen and the East End allowed me to see my roots and how deep my roots are into the Richmond community," McEachin said. "It's a labor of love."
The bill provides federal support for historical African American burial grounds to ensure their preservation.
Veronica Davis, the founder of Virginia Roots Historical Preservation for Evergreen Cemetery and East End Cemetery, said the initiative is something shes been working on for the last 20 years.
"They tell the background history of America and how it was built. They are our last link to our history," Davis said. "It mends a lot of open wounds and it brings together people."
Rep. McEachin said each African American cemetery nationwide will be able to voluntary join the network to receive funds from the National Park Service to help with preservation.
Davis told CBS 6 she believes that funding is long overdue considering the condition of many of the cemeteries.
More including video at the link.
= new reply since forum marked as read
