Evergreen Cemetery was founded in 1891 and was once considered the Black equivalent to Hollywood Cemetery. But the resting place of leaders like Maggie Walker and John Mitchell Jr. fell into massive disrepair. Volunteers continued efforts to reclaim the cemetery, including Nedeen Abugaya from Greater Richmond Church of Christ.
“As a church we came here to help out and rake the cemetery and help clean up and stuff.”
Local non-profits also announced a conservation easement to further help restore the cemetery. Brett Glymph is Executive Director of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, which manages the cemetery project with the Enrichmond Foundation.
“The easement will provide for the restoration and permanent protection of the cemetery so that current and future generations can learn from the very important history that resides here.”
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam attended Monday’s event. She said that cleaning up Evergreen comes at a time when people really want to understand who they are and where they came from.
“This gives so many people a chance to find their ancestors and revere them.”
Volunteers also have continued clearing neighboring East End cemetery. Local researchers estimate more than 30,000 people were buried at both cemeteries.
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Here’s information on The Enrichmond Foundation and the Evergreen Cemetery and the East End Cemetery and The Virginia Outdoors Foundation
