Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!
May 2023 be your best year ever!
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I feel that 2023 will usher in a year where Ohio's cemeteries will have more help and hope to gain the much-deserved, yet long overdue, respect and recognition for their importance to their surrounding communities, and truly beyond; regardless of their size or status.
Thankfully, more resources are being made available than ever that will continue to work for their benefit. There are more dedicated people coming onboard, some working individually, while others working in groups -- including countless volunteers -- who will ensure longer term protection and preservation of all of Ohio's cemeteries.
This move forward includes the most recent passage of the Federal Omnibus Bill that includes the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program.
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The "Cincinnati Enquirer" has posted a spotlight story (December 24, 2022) about this legislation on their Cincinnati.com website.
This is a must-read article to fully understand how it was that an historic African American cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, the United American Cemetery, brought the public's focus to the particular plight that so negatively affects African American cemeteries all across America that can no longer go ignored. Now stronger federal measures will be in place that will address their ongoing problematic issues.
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Also, be sure to check out previous posts on this blog about the Ohio Cemetery Grant Program that has been helping Ohio's Active/Registered Cemeteries, and those cemeteries that should be registered but are not through no fault of their own; with additional details regarding this program.
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Thank you for your help and your advocacy on behalf of Ohio's cemeteries!
We must remain mindful that our deceased ancestors, relatives, friends, and neighbors were vital to the communities that surrounded them. They were pioneers, veterans, doctors, teachers, pastors, civic leaders, fathers, mothers and babies who died young. Each had a unique life story that should not be forgotten. They left their legacies to us who will in turn, pass them on to future generations. This cannot be done without cemetery preservation and the needed protections put in place through stronger Ohio laws.
Sadly, too much history has already been lost so the need is great!
Thank you!
