Historic Preservation of African American Cemeteries

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Mt. Olive Cemetery, established in the early 1800s, is one of the oldest private cemeteries for African Americans in the state of Mississippi. Research indicates this cemetery originally began as a plantation cemetery. Mt. Olive is one of the most intact historic properties associated with the growth and development of the African American community and business district surrounding John R. Lynch Street in Jackson, Mississippi. The cemetery represents four distinct eras in history: slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement. The cemetery remains intact and is a visible landmark for the community. The discussion will focus on these key areas: Preserving African American Culture; Research and findings on Mt. Olive Cemetery; Preservation of Jim Hill and Ida Revels Statues, some of the first African American Statues in our state; and Grant funding for historic sites. Mt. Olive Cemetery depicts a point of beginning for the African American community and served as a final resting place for prominent African Americans, as well as ordinary citizens. Based on the work of Jackson State University’s Center for University-Based Development, Mt. Olive Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2017 and this designation denotes the worthiness of preservation.

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