Memorial wall honors 400 African Americans, including Civil War veterans, at Taylor-Swinson Cemetery

A significant chapter in African American history was commemorated this week with the unveiling of a memorial wall at the Taylor-Swinson Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Greene County, North Carolina.

The wall honors over 400 African Americans interred at the site, many of whom had lain in unmarked graves for generations. The dedication ceremony brought together more than 50 descendants, who gathered in matching T-shirts to celebrate the lives and legacies of their ancestors.

The cemetery originally belonged to a former Snow-Hill slave master, before being purchased by a Swinson relative in 1904. Over the years the burial site lost its upkeep until 2020 when a family initiative led to the restoration of the site. Five years later, the unveiling of their first Memorial Wall, remembering a hundred and eighty ancestors, some of who fought in the Civil War.

Over time, the site fell into disrepair until 2020, when a family-led initiative began its restoration.

This effort culminated in the installation of the memorial wall, which currently bears 180 names, including those of Civil War veterans. The wall serves as a tangible acknowledgment of the individuals buried there, many of whom had previously been without marked graves.

“So, now this wall gives them a name. Not just knowing they’re here, but we can see their names,” Rossie Edwards, a relative of those interred said. She described the event as a “family reunion,” emphasizing the importance of coming together to honor shared heritage.

Lenny Swinson, a genealogist and current overseer of the cemetery, played a pivotal role in the restoration efforts. His research revealed that three generations of his relatives were buried at the site, prompting a broader investigation that uncovered over 400 ancestors interred there.

“About time,” Swinson remarked, reflecting on the transformation of the once-overgrown cemetery. “Five years ago, we could not have been standing here. There were trees, there were bushes, there were shrubs… and today it is a miracle.”

The memorial wall is the first of several planned installations. With at least 200 graves still unmarked, the families involved are committed to continuing their efforts to ensure every individual is recognized. Swinson expressed hope that, with continued donations, additional walls can be erected to honor all those laid to rest at the Taylor-Swinson Cemetery.

The unveiling of the memorial wall stands as a testament to the resilience of the African American community and the enduring importance of preserving and honoring their history.

Source: WCTI