13 Nov “Landscapes of Liberation: D.C.’s History of Black Cemeteries and the Underground Railroad” Online Link
What a pleasure to introduce and moderate the exceptional panel “Landscapes of Liberation: D.C.’s History of Black Cemeteries and the Underground Railroad” on Nov. 13th as part of the Race, History, and Rock Creek series (offered by the Rock Creek Conservancy.) The panel featured Lisa Fager, C.R. Gibbs, and Mary Belcher.
My father’s ancestors were part of the history we considered — and many of his family members are buried in these and other cemeteries in the area. You can view the program if interested!
Our first panelist, Mary Belcher, is a founding member of the Walter Pierce Park Cemeteries Archaeology & Commemoration Project. This group includes descendants of those buried; as well as scientists who conducted the archaeological investigation of the site; and allies like Mary, who led the historical research into the African American and Quaker cemeteries at the park. Mary will highlight Mount Pleasant Plains Cemetery, a formally recognized site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Our second presenter, Lisa Fager, is Executive Director of the Black Georgetown Foundation, where she leads efforts to preserve and protect the historic Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society cemeteries in Georgetown. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, Lisa works to ensure these sacred sites remain integral to the public memory of African American history.
Our third panelist, public historian C.R. Gibbs, author and co-author of several books, including Black Georgetown Remembered: A History of Its Black Community from the Founding of “The Town of George” in 1751 to the Present Day. CR established the “African History & Culture Lecture Series,” which gives public presentations across the Washington–Baltimore area. For these efforts, he received the District mayor’s Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation in Public Education.
No Comments