The History of African American Cemeteries

In 2017, Arkansas state law, AR Code § 20-17-901 was passed requiring cemetery registration applications “show the location and boundaries of the cemetery.” Even though this law was enacted, we found that most citizens were unaware of the law. As a result, most cemeteries in Lee County are still unregistered with the Arkansas Department of Health, leaving the boundaries of the cemeteries in existence prior to 1929 undocumented and vulnerable. Many cemetery caretakers are either individual volunteers or small community organizations who are unaware of the steps it takes to register cemeteries. Additionally, we have found that a large number of these cemeteries lie on a parcel of land belonging to the churches that maintain them, requiring the caretakers to pay for land surveys that range from $600 – $1,000 or more, depending on the size of the cemetery. 

Most of these historic cemeteries were established following emancipation. Over the years, economic decline in the Delta has caused a sharp decrease in the rural population, and many of these cemeteries have fallen into disrepair. Most are maintained by small church congregations or burial associations. In some cases, the upkeep has fallen on one family or individual, causing financial strain due to a lack of resources and support.  The LCCA aims to combat the erasure and loss of these historic cemeteries and the heritage and history they hold. Help us accomplish our mission by becoming a member or donating to help save Lee County cemeteries.