Historic Black community in N.S. plans restoration of cemetery

Residents of the historic African Nova Scotian community of Beechville are embarking on a project to revitalize the local cemetery after receiving a generous grant from the Halifax Regional Municipality. The $10,000 grant, awarded to the Beechville United Baptist Church through the Anti-Black Racism Grants program, aims to address systemic and historical challenges faced by Black communities.

The initiative, introduced last year, seeks to preserve the stories and contributions of Beechville’s ancestors while fostering pride, respect, and connection for families, visitors, and the broader community. Iona Duncan-States, a member of the church cemetery committee, emphasized the importance of maintaining the gravesite for their loved ones. With her mother, father, sister, and nephew buried in the cemetery, she visits the site regularly and has noticed deteriorating conditions.

“The ground is sinking in spots,” Duncan-States noted. “So we do need to do a total renovation of the gravesite. It’s really in desperate need of repair.” Many families in the Halifax-area community, established in 1813, have relatives buried in the cemetery, making the restoration project a significant endeavor.

Part of the grant will be used to identify unmarked graves at the site, where several white crosses have fallen. Josh Crawford, the funeral director in the community and cemetery assistant chair, expressed the importance of recognizing individuals in these plots. Through archival research and conversations with residents, efforts will be made to create a historical map of the grounds and place markers to honor those buried there.

Crawford highlighted the emotional impact of walking through a cemetery with unmarked graves, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and respect the individuals laid to rest. The community is hopeful that the grant will facilitate the restoration process and bring closure to families with loved ones buried in the cemetery.

Work on the revitalization project is expected to commence within the next six months, with a focus on preserving the cemetery’s historical significance and ensuring that the stories of Beechville’s ancestors are honored. The community is grateful for the support from the Halifax Regional Municipality and looks forward to undertaking this meaningful endeavor.

—
This article has been rewritten to maintain the original content while ensuring uniqueness and relevance to a WordPress platform.