Olivewood Cemetery in Houston, the city’s first official African American burial ground, has received a $200,000 grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s program aims to help with the cemetery’s long-term management, upkeep, and community involvement. Founded in 1875, Olivewood Cemetery has faced neglect and urban development pressures.
The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans of the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, a Buffalo Soldier, doctors, attorneys, and many community leaders.
Paul Jennings, a board member of Descendants of Olivewood, stated that the cemetery association’s collapse in the mid-20th century led to its uncertain future.
The grant is part of a $3 million initiative by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to preserve 24 sites across the United States. Jennings expressed hope that the funds will help build a sustainable financial structure and create plans for maintenance and community outreach.
Margott Williams, a board member and descendant of those buried at Olivewood, expressed her emotional response to the grant news. She emphasized the importance of preserving the cemetery for future generations and discovering more descendants.
For Williams, the cemetery is personal, as her grandfather, great-grandparents, and several other relatives are buried there.
Williams recalled past challenges of overgrown vegetation making it difficult to find the cemetery. The nonprofit Descendants of Olivewood was formed in 2003 by Williams and other descendants to address neglect and prevent further decay. They have faced ongoing threats from urban development and environmental issues.
Despite these challenges, the community’s dedication remains strong. Williams described the effort as a labor of love and emphasized the importance of honoring those buried there.
