I started this journey by researching my family history. During that search, I discovered that I had an ancestral relative buried in Saint Louis, MO, only 30 minutes from my house. Intrigued, I decided to visit Washington Park Cemetery to honor his gravesite. Imagine my surprise when I realized no office or contact information was available to track his gravesite. Determined, my mother and I decided to walk around and try to find the gravesite ourselves. We were shocked, hurt, angry, and disappointed by the state of our loved ones' final resting place. 

Before giving up our search, I heard someone cutting grass in the distance. Desperate for answers, I flagged down the person on the mower. I'm so grateful that I did. The man on the mower happened to be Mr. Henry. I told him my situation and asked if he knew anyone who could help me find where my late great-great-uncle, Samuel Johnson, was. He was happy to help. He gave me the number to Mr. Newman, who was known to keep a copy of the records. As we continued to talk, I learned that Mr. Henry is a Vietnam War veteran who volunteers to mow the historic cemetery because he also has an uncle there. He was unhappy with the condition of the graveyard upon his discovery, and he jumped in to start doing the work. He uses his equipment and only gets compensated for the gas he uses. He often damages his mower blades because of the neglected condition of the cemetery. When this happens, he uses his money to repair it and returns it to service. Mr. Henry is a true American Hero. He's been volunteering his services at WPC for the past 5 years.

A few days later, I contacted Mr. Newman about my uncle's burial site. He was happy to help as well. It wasn't long before he sent me information on finding my uncle's location. I was pleased to learn we saw him, but sad to realize his stone was missing.  By this time, I had discovered that I had a few more relatives who were buried at WPC. I decided to ask Mr. Newman about my great-grandmother and great-uncle. He pulled a big red bag with a few thick white binders inside from his car. He found their names listed. I started to become excited, but it was short-lived because he said they had been exhumed, and he couldn't tell me exactly where they are located. I thanked Mr. Newman for his time and dedication to assisting people like me who were looking to connect with our deceased under unorthodox circumstances. Mr. Newman has been serving the community by volunteering his time and efforts to WPC for the past 15 years. 

Washington Park Cemetery, established in the 1920s, served as a final resting place for black residents in St. Louis, including World War veterans, formerly enslaved individuals, civil rights activists, railroad workers, nurses, and more. Its historical significance is undeniable, yet it has been subject to neglect and disregard, particularly given its location in Berkeley, MO, a town marked by a complex racial history.

The situation is further compounded by the expansion of Lambert Airport and Metrolink, which led to the disturbance of graves and the exhumation of bodies. This isn't just a violation of sacred ground but a traumatic experience for the descendants of those resting there.

Incidents like these are not isolated but speak to a broader pattern of disrespect and neglect towards historically significant black cemeteries. These sites deserve to be preserved, honored, and remembered, not just for their historical value but for the dignity and respect owed to those who came before us.

Immediate action is required to protect Washington Park Cemetery. This includes restoring and maintaining the cemetery grounds, establishing clear pathways for descendants to locate their loved ones, and creating a historical marker that acknowledges the cemetery's significance. It is also crucial that local and state authorities be held accountable for prior disturbances and ensure that such disrespect never occurs again.

I reached out to the Lawyer who represents Washington Park Cemetery, and his response was the following:

"As we discussed, the descendants of those buried there have never organized to care for the upkeep of the cemetery. The descendants let the cemetery go to forest. The attitude appears to  be it is someone else’s problem."

His statement surprised me, considering that this was a for-profit cemetery, which means the owner has a responsibility to:

• Grounds Maintenance:
  Mowing, trimming, debris removal, and general upkeep of the cemetery grounds.
   
• Administrative Tasks:
  Maintaining records, managing paperwork, and coordinating with other staff.  
• Repair and Maintenance:
  Maintaining headstones, markers, and other cemetery infrastructure.
• Ensuring Respect and Dignity:
  Maintaining a respectful environment for visitors and honoring the deceased.  
  
  By signing this petition, you are supporting the preservation of an integral part of St. Louis’s history and advocating for the respect and dignity that those buried at Washington Park Cemetery rightfully deserve. Let us come together to preserve their legacy and ensure that future generations can connect with and honor their past. Please sign this petition to make our voices heard.

Please click the links below to learn more:

https://youtube.com/shorts/4pNu1dfSFig?si=LJchVMdSASFNxDWU​

https://youtu.be/Oo_uN_1WXK0?si=WJzcwJk9Dc1pm3NM​

 https://youtu.be/1cXsR73lgyU?si=c2j-QOp0nUV-dsFz

Interested in donating or volunteering? Please click the link below.

https://givebutter.com/aXVsVg