Mary E. Smith Cemetery in Elsmere's Neglect
Historic Black Cemetery in Cincinnati Faces Neglect and Financial Struggles
In Cincinnati, the Mary E. Smith Cemetery in Elsmere, a historic American burial ground, lies in disrepair, with knee-high grass, overgrown bushes, and headstones hidden or toppled. For families like Dorothy Watson’s, visiting loved ones has become nearly impossible due to the cemetery’s condition. Once a serene, natural place, the cemetery now reflects a decade of neglect, largely due to dwindling funds. Similarly, the Union Baptist Cemetery, another historic Black cemetery in Cincinnati, faces parallel challenges, underscoring a broader issue of preserving African American heritage sites.
A Legacy at Risk
According to WCPO, this cemetery was founded to honor African American communities. These cemeteries hold the remains of veterans, civil rights activists, and former slaves. However, without consistent funding, maintenance has faltered. The Mary E. Smith Cemetery Board of Trustees, which relies on independent funding, is running out of money, with trustees often paying for upkeep themselves. Meanwhile, Union Baptist’s committee highlights the high costs of maintaining roads, buildings, and uneven grounds. Consequently, both sites struggle to preserve their historical significance.
Community and Funding Challenges
Despite efforts to secure grants from churches, the cemeteries have found little success. For instance, the Mary E. Smith board plans to cut grass soon but lacks long-term solutions. In contrast, Union Baptist received $400,000 from the National Park Service in 2020 for repairs after vandalism, yet ongoing maintenance remains a hurdle. Therefore, community involvement is critical to their survival.
How You Can Help
To restore these sacred spaces, individuals can contribute in several ways:
- Volunteer Time: Organize or join cleanup efforts to clear weeds, mow grass, or repair headstones.
- Donate Funds: Contribute to the cemeteries’ maintenance funds or Union Baptist Church (405 W 7th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202) to support infrastructure improvements.
- Raise Awareness: Share their stories on social media or local forums to attract more support.
- Advocate for Grants: Encourage local leaders to pursue federal or state preservation grants, like the African American Burial Grounds Network Act.
By taking these steps, the community can ensure these cemeteries remain dignified resting places and vital pieces of American history. Ultimately, collective action can prevent further neglect and honor the legacies buried within.
