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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A historic restoration project is breathing new life into Woodlawn Cemetery, a long-neglected burial ground serving the Black community in Washtenaw County. Established in 1946 by Rev. Garther Roberson Sr., the cemetery was founded to provide burial options for Black individuals who faced discrimination in mainstream cemeteries. However, after nearly 60 years of abandonment, the cemetery fell into disrepair, shrouded in overgrowth and obscured history.
Today, dedicated volunteers and community partners are leading a revitalization effort that seeks to restore dignity to the site. The initiative has seen significant progress, with much of the overgrowth being cleared away, revealing the cemetery’s historical significance to families in the region.
One cutting-edge tool being utilized in this restoration is ground-penetrating radar. This technology allows volunteers and historians to locate burial sites that have been lost to time. Families like that of Randall Luten are finding hope as they seek to honor their loved ones buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. “It’s important for us to remember our history and the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” Luten expressed, emphasizing the cemetery’s significance to the community.
As the project continues, community members are encouraged to get involved, whether through volunteer work or donations. The restoration of Woodlawn Cemetery is not just about uncovering graves; it’s about reclaiming a vital part of Black history in Washtenaw County and ensuring that those who have been laid to rest are honored and remembered for generations to come.
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