In recent years, forgotten, neglected and abandoned Black cemeteries have begun to receive more attention. Across the United States, many unmarked African American graveyards have been rediscovered – often hidden under more recently built parking lots, schools and housing complexes.
Forgotten, neglected and abandoned Black cemeteries have begun to receive attention. Across the United States, many unmarked African American graveyards have been rediscovered often hidden under more recently built parking lots, schools and housing complexes. Now, a pair of bills in the Florida Legislature aims to prohibit or limit development on abandoned grave sites.
In recent years, forgotten Black cemeteries have received more attention. The legislation under consideration would create an office within the Department of State that would focus on restoration, research and maintenance efforts for abandoned cemeteries.
In Tampa, archaeologists said a historic African-American cemetery’s graves had not been not exhumed before the land was developed. Now, bills are being considered.