Black cemeteries and funeral customs will be the topic at this month’s Historic Athens History Hour, which will take place at the Lyndon House Arts Center at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The event is a part of One Story Athens, the preservation organization’s yearlong effort to unearth the stories of people who have historically been marginalized.
“Homegoing & Placemaking: Athens African American Burial Customs” will explore a range of topics, such as the past and present of burials in Athens, enslaved remains uncovered at Baldwin Hall at the University of Georgia, and the national movement to preserve Black burial grounds. The event is free and open to the public, and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
“We can learn a lot about a community through how they honor those who have passed away,” said Hope Iglehart, director of engagement and African American heritage at Historic Athens. “Our city has a rich history when it comes to the burial of African Americans, and we want to bring more attention to these customs.”
Invited panelists include: Shane Blackwell of Mack & Payne Funeral Home, Carey Colquitt of East Lawn Cemetery, Linda E. Davis of Brooklyn Cemetery, Charlie Maddox of Saint James Cemetery, Shanna Jackson Sheats of Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home and Anna Lisa Winfrey of Winfrey Mutual Funeral Home. Iglehart, former president of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and director at Hurley Funeral Home, will facilitate the discussion.
Tommy Valentine, executive director of Historic Athens, noted that this history hour’s focus on placemaking is essential to understanding the one story that is Athens. “Black burial grounds have not been appreciated historically by the broader Athens community,” said Valentine. “These spaces are crucial in understanding Black history and culture. They are also a vital source of connection between generations of Athenians.”
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