"The United States African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Program" - Additional Details

The website for the National Park Service has published an article entitled.:  

"What is the Consolidated Appropriations Act and what does it mean for the National Park Service?"

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Also this quote from the "Richmond Free Press" from December 29, 2022.:

"The cemetery preservation act is listed on page 2,954 of the massive omnibus funding bill. It establishes the first ever program in the National Park Service to provide grant opportunities and technical assistance to groups that research, identify, survey and preserve the sites.

The legislation provides the Park Service with $3 million a year through 2027 to award in grants."

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - May you and your cemeteries all do well in the coming year!

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!    

Sharing this story by the Journal-News in Oxford Butler County by Avery Kreemer dated December 14 2022 - The City of Oxford is taking over the Oxford Cemetery

This spotlight story explains the reasons the City of Oxford Ohio in Butler County is assuming responsibility for the Oxford Cemetery. 

Excerpt:

“Regrettably, the association wasn’t able to continue operating the cemetery based on financial reasons,” Oxford Cemetery Association Treasurer Dennis Deahl said to the Journal-News.

Under Ohio Revised Code, if a private entity is unable to maintain burial grounds, the responsibility of that maintenance and operation then falls on the governmental entity; in this case, it means Oxford’s finance department will take over plot sales while the service department handles upkeep starting in 2023." 

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I applaud the City of Oxford for their stepping up to assume responsibility of the Oxford Cemetery so that it will stay a viable cemetery with an owner and one who feels it is worthwhile to do right by the cemetery.  Yes, it seems like that should be a "given" when it comes to something as important as a burial ground for human remains, but as we know in Ohio that isn't always the case.  

But, we end the year 2022 on a positive note when we read an encouraging and uplifting story about people and local governments who demonstrate that will do what it takes to care for their community cemeteries!  It will be a Happy New Year for the Oxford Cemetery! 

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