The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground: A Silent Witness to History
The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground in Richmond, Virginia, is a poignant reminder of the city’s complex and painful history. Established in 1816, this hallowed site holds the remains of over 22,000 enslaved and free Black individuals, yet it resembles an abandoned lot surrounded by highways, an auto shop, and a power station. The weeds strewn across the bare ground contrast sharply with the well-maintained Shockoe Hill Cemetery across the street, where white Christians are laid to rest beneath grand marble headstones and lush greenery.
Unequal Treatment in Life and Death
The legacy of Shockoe Hill is emblematic of the broader patterns of racial inequality that have persisted throughout American history. As an archaeologist who examines how the past influences contemporary public life, I’ve studied how African Americans were often relegated to graves in unsanctioned spaces that lacked adequate protections. The different treatment of these burial sites mirrors the experiences of African Americans during their lifetimes: neglected, overlooked, and marginalized.
A History of Violence
Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground is not merely forgotten; it has been subjected to deliberate acts of destruction. Historian Ryan K. Smith asserts that the burying ground “was not…abandoned – it was actively destroyed.” Grounded in this reality is a broader narrative, first thrust into the public eye in 1991 when the African Burial Ground in New York City was nearly obliterated by construction. Thanks to the efforts of community leaders, it was preserved, sparking vital discussions about the need to protect Black cemeteries.
Continuous Threats to Preservation
In recent years, similar threats have emerged at various sites, including the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana and Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 in Maryland. Like these vulnerable places, the Shockoe Hill Burying Ground has continuously faced dangers from grave robbing and construction projects. Community advocate Lenora McQueen has championed efforts to protect this cemetery, driven by a personal connection: her ancestor, Kitty Cary, was buried there in 1857.
A Call to Action
McQueen’s activism has included collaboration with city officials to purchase parts of the cemetery and establishing memorial markers to honor its significance. Her work reflects a broader commitment to rectify historical injustices faced by Black burial grounds, which for too long have been neglected and forgotten. McQueen and her team undertook the monumental task of pursuing recognition for the burying ground on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasizing its cultural wealth and historical importance.
A Fragmented Historical Landscape
From its unkempt appearance to its lack of formal recognition, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground tells a story of neglect. For over 200 years, African Americans in Richmond were interred in unprotected spaces, often subjected to the desecration of their final resting places. Medical schools would rob graves for cadaver use, while the Civil War brought further destruction when Confederates exploded the local gunpowder magazine, damaging the cemetery.
Becoming a Historic Site
In 2022, the Shockoe Hill Burying Ground was listed on the National Register of Historic Places—a significant milestone achieved through ongoing advocacy. This recognition opened doors for possible funding for preservation efforts and oversight of future construction that could affect the site. However, being on the register does not guarantee protection. Utility work around the burial ground was still conducted without consulting heritage officials, underscoring the perpetual threat to this sacred space.
Navigating Future Challenges
Despite its recent listing, the future remains precarious. Plans for a high-speed rail project could encroach upon the historical landscape, while memorial designs, though well-intentioned, might inadvertently harm the site further. In the words of McQueen, “Burial spaces are sacred,” and it is imperative that the significance of these grounds be recognized and respected.
A Collective Responsibility
As a society, the treatment of burial grounds speaks volumes about our values. The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground serves as a powerful reminder that dignity must be afforded to all citizens, both in life and in death. This site does not require famous individuals or elaborate tombstones to hold significance; it embodies the spirit of a community and the history that shaped it.
In essence, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground is not just a cemetery; it is a crucial chapter in the ongoing narrative of race, memory, and justice in America.