Oaklawn Memorial African American Historical Cemetery non- perpetual care
Oaklawn Memorial African American Historical Cemetery non- perpetual care
The Issue
Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery is located in Mobile, Alabama. The cemetery is officially registered as a historical cemetery by the Alabama Historical Commission of Cemetery Program. It dates back to the 1870s. The cemetery consists of approximately 22 acres. The number of actual burials is unknown, it is believed to contain as many as 10,000 people. It contains veterans from various branches of the military. Merchant Marines serving WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.
Historical and burial statistics indicate this cemetery mainly served the African American community.
A pattern has been established for non-perpetual care due to changing hands at least several times.
It is completely neglected and appears to be abandoned, and unremembered. There are prominent figures in the cemetery.
The aftermath of the negligence has created a disconnection between the deceased and the living because they can no longer visit the graves of their loved ones. Therefore, over time the living will become desensitized to all connections with their ancestors. This is where the idiomatic phase becomes extremely relevant"out of sight, out of mind" meaning if something is not visible it becomes more easily forgotten with the possibility of being purposely disregarded. Ancestry is significant for the living to be able to educate future generations about their heritage.
Secondly, the original contract for perpetual care of the cemetery is no longer honored.
Lastly, the aftermath of negligence for non-perpetual care raises a concern about safety and health issues within the community. Mice, snakes, and rats can spread deadly diseases. Pest can be destructive and destroy citizens' property.
Therefore, your support and signatures are needed. They are greatly appreciated! The petition will be shared with the local officials in Mobile, Alabama.
The main goal is to achieve a permanent solution for annual perpetual care funding for the cemetery. If the issue can not be resolved on a local level, the petition will be submitted to higher-level government officials in Alabama.
The Issue
Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery is located in Mobile, Alabama. The cemetery is officially registered as a historical cemetery by the Alabama Historical Commission of Cemetery Program. It dates back to the 1870s. The cemetery consists of approximately 22 acres. The number of actual burials is unknown, it is believed to contain as many as 10,000 people. It contains veterans from various branches of the military. Merchant Marines serving WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.
Historical and burial statistics indicate this cemetery mainly served the African American community.
A pattern has been established for non-perpetual care due to changing hands at least several times.
It is completely neglected and appears to be abandoned, and unremembered. There are prominent figures in the cemetery.
The aftermath of the negligence has created a disconnection between the deceased and the living because they can no longer visit the graves of their loved ones. Therefore, over time the living will become desensitized to all connections with their ancestors. This is where the idiomatic phase becomes extremely relevant"out of sight, out of mind" meaning if something is not visible it becomes more easily forgotten with the possibility of being purposely disregarded. Ancestry is significant for the living to be able to educate future generations about their heritage.
Secondly, the original contract for perpetual care of the cemetery is no longer honored.
Lastly, the aftermath of negligence for non-perpetual care raises a concern about safety and health issues within the community. Mice, snakes, and rats can spread deadly diseases. Pest can be destructive and destroy citizens' property.
Therefore, your support and signatures are needed. They are greatly appreciated! The petition will be shared with the local officials in Mobile, Alabama.
The main goal is to achieve a permanent solution for annual perpetual care funding for the cemetery. If the issue can not be resolved on a local level, the petition will be submitted to higher-level government officials in Alabama.
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Petition created on January 29, 2024