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An Unveiling and Public Dedication of the New Memorial Site at the Historic Nashville City Cemetery was held on Saturday, June 13th. The Nashville City Cemetery Association (NCCA) launched the Enslaved Persons Memorial Project to honor the memory of approximately three thousand enslaved men, women, and children who were buried in the Nashville City Cemetery between its founding on January 1, 1822, and the arrival of emancipation in Tennessee in 1865.

The memorial site features an engraved granite bench and a memorial garden, providing a place for reflection and remembrance. It honors the lives, talents, and contributions of those who endured enslavement and now rest in unmarked graves in City Cemetery.

The dedication of the memorial site was a free event open to the public and dozens were on hand to participate. The ceremony included an invocation by Pastor Enoch Fuzz, a poetry reading by Marcus Robinson, Nashville Youth Poet Laureate, remarks from Metro Historic Commissioner Betsy Phillips, musical selections by Fisk Jubilee Alumnus Jordan Holland, and a historical reflection on the twelve individuals enslaved by the city of Nashville who are buried in City Cemetery.

The Welcome was given by NCCA Board member Jacobia Dowell, and the Greetings were extended by Linda T. Wynn, Chair, Metropolitan Historical Commission. A highlight of the program was a presentation on the Significance od Remembrance & Public Acknowledgement by noted historian Dr. Lea Williams. Betsy Phillips spoke to The Role of Enslaved Labor in Building Nashville & the Enslaved People Owned by the Corporation. Councilwoman Terry Vo gave a Reading of Remembrance In Honor of the Enslaved of the Corporation.

Commissioner Gary M. Burke of the Metropolitan Historical Commission shared a special poem he composed for the occasion, entitled, “In Honor of Percy.” A Ceremonial Roll Call Honoring the Enslaved Individuals Named on the Memorial preceded the Dedication Statement: “We dedicate this memorial bench in honor of (individuals identified by their names on memorial stones read by participants). May this site serve as a lasting reminder of their humanity, resilience, and enduring legacy. May they always be remembered.

Through this memorial and dedication ceremony, the NCCA sought to create a space of dignity, ensuring that the lives of those enslaved persons buried in Nashville City Cemetery are never forgotten. The Nashville City Cemetery is a Metro Nashville Public Park supported by the Metro Historical Commission and the all-volunteer Nashville City Cemetery Association. The cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk, is handicap-accessible, and offers free public parking. Pets are always welcome. Stay updated on the progress of this project and learn about other initiatives from the Nashville City Cemetery Association by following on Facebook.

The Nashville City Cemetery Association, Inc. (NCCA) is a membership organization that works to protect, preserve, restore and raise public awareness of the Nashville City Cemetery in collaboration with the Historical Commission of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.  More information can be found on its website: thenashvillecitycemetery.org.