Triad Group Preserves Historic African-American Cemetery

Graves Of Slaves Who Died Free Lie In Disrespect, Disrepair

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A group in the Triad is trying to save history by preserving an African-American cemetery that has been neglected for years.

Graves from the people who were born into slavery but died free were left in the Winston-Salem woods unkempt for years.

“This particular cemetery came under the term ‘abandonment,’” said the founder of Vintage ‘04, Bobby Wilson. “Abandonment meant it was neglected and all the graves were in disrespect and disrepair.”

As kudzu, twigs and brush took over the deteriorating tombstones of one of the first African-American graveyards, Wilson and his nonprofit group decided to step in.

Wilson and volunteers work every weekend to preserve history and the honor of the dead by clearing and cleaning up grave sites.

But preserving history comes with a cost. Vintage ‘04 spent $40,000 since the project began in 1992.

Funds are low, and the graves are still unidentified in the woods.

Wilson said he hopes an upcoming benefit concert will help them keep the piece of history alive and help Winston-Salem residents discover a piece of their past.

Source: WXII12.com

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