Op-Ed: From Grave Robbing to Road Construction—The Story of Richmond’s Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground
The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground in Richmond, Virginia, is not just a burial site; it’s a haunting reminder of how Black Americans have been historically marginalized even in death. Established in 1816, this neglected cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 22,000 enslaved and free people of color, yet remains overshadowed by modern infrastructure and indifference.
A Forgotten History
Visually, the cemetery resembles an abandoned lot, marred by weeds and flanked by a deserted auto shop and a looming power substation. In stark contrast, just across the road stands Shockoe Hill Cemetery, created in 1822 for white Christians, which features manicured lawns and pristine marble headstones. This juxtaposition highlights a deep-seated inequity—a division that extends beyond life into how communities are memorialized after death.
Archaeologist insights reveal that such disparate treatment of burial grounds reflects a broader pattern of systemic racism. For years, African Americans have been forced to bury their dead in spaces that lack formal recognition and protection.
Acts of Violence Against Memory
Despite its purpose, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground has faced a series of deliberate acts of destruction. As historian Ryan K. Smith points out, this cemetery wasn’t merely forgotten; it was actively destroyed. Instances of grave robbing and construction projects have been recurrent threats. The story of this cemetery mirrors the discrimination and disregard faced by Black Americans throughout history.
The alarming trend of neglect and destruction gathered national attention in 1991 when the African Burial Ground in New York City was nearly destroyed by construction. The swift actions of local activists and researchers ultimately preserved it, raising awareness about similar monuments across the country, including those at the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana and Morningstar Tabernacle No. 88 in Maryland.
Ongoing Struggles at Shockoe
In Richmond, the battle to protect the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground has been spearheaded by figures like Lenora McQueen. Discovering her ancestor, Kitty Cary, was buried there ignited her passion for preserving this neglected site. McQueen’s relentless efforts have included collaboration with city officials, organizing community activism, and advocating for the cemetery to be designated a historic site.
Research conducted by McQueen and her team ultimately established the significant cultural landscape of the cemetery as worthy of recognition. Their persistence paid off in 2022, when the Shockoe Hill Burying Ground Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting the importance and history of Black burial sites.
Continued Threats and the Fight for Dignity
Even with this designation, the struggles for preservation of the cemetery continue. Being recognized on the national register offers certain benefits—like potential funding—but does not ensure absolute protection. Local infrastructure projects, such as utility installations and proposals for high-speed rail lines, threaten to encroach on the cemetery’s already vulnerable landscape. It is a continuous reminder that recognition does not equate to respect.
Efforts to design memorials at the site raise concerns, as well. While well-intentioned, these designs must be approached with care; improper treatment could undermine the historical integrity of the cemetery itself.
Reflection on Sacred Spaces
As McQueen poignantly asserts, “Burial spaces are sacred.” This sentiment reflects a wider truth: every burial ground, regardless of the prominence of its inhabitants or the opulence of its memorials, deserves dignity and respect. The Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground contains legacies of resilience and community, echoing the lives of those who came before.
In grappling with the history and ongoing struggles surrounding Black cemeteries like Shockoe, we must confront the uncomfortable truths of our past and present, advocating for a future where every resting place is afforded the honor it is due. The cemetery stands not just as a resting place for the dead, but as a poignant symbol of the broader fight for social justice—one that demands recognition, respect, and restoration.