Geer Street Cemetery October Restoration

Geer Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 1,650 African American citizens of Durham and surrounding counties. The earliest origins of Geer Cemetery date to its first land deed on 28 March 1877. It documents the sale of the land to John O’Daniel, Nelson Mitchell, and Willis Moore by Jessie and Polly Geer. The last documented burial at Geer Cemetery occurred in 1945. Without maintenance, the cemetery fell into disrepair and became unrecognizable as a graveyard.

Sankofa is a word in the Akan Twi and Fanti languages of Ghana. The word translates to “retrieve” or “go back and get it.” It signifies the need to learn from the past in order to prepare for what is to come. The meaning reinforces the inborn idea that community and family should respect and reclaim stories of the past. In the present, these stories can guide us toward a more enlightened future.

In 1984, the Black Bishops of the United States issued a statement that included these words: “Sincere reconciliation builds on mutual recognition and mutual respect.”  Working together, we hope to “reach back,” find related stories of the past and the present, and make certain the historical and physical significance of Geer Cemetery is here for people today and tomorrow.

Kancel Klan Kulture, LLC is collaborating with the Friends of Geer Cemetery nonprofit organization, the Raleigh New Bethel Christian Church Youth Ministry, Poplar Springs Youth Ministry, Southeast Raleigh Magnet Highschool Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on the historical restoration of Geer Cemetery in Durham, NC.

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