News Summary
Students from Mississippi State University uncover the history of Brush Arbor Cemetery, a historic Black cemetery in Starkville, but face setbacks due to funding cuts. The students’ fieldwork revealed 81 burials, but recent grant terminations threaten the project’s future. Community leaders call for local solutions to preserve this vital part of history as they combat the impacts of littering and development. The preservation of Brush Arbor Cemetery remains crucial for maintaining local heritage.
Starkville Faces Setback in Preserving Historic Black Cemetery
Starkville, a charming city known for its Southern hospitality and rich history, has hit a snag in its efforts to preserve its historic Black cemetery, Brush Arbor Cemetery. This hidden gem, which many locals are far too unfamiliar with, is home to the stories of countless ancestors from the community. In 2023, Anna Pugh, an undergraduate anthropology student from Mississippi State University (MSU), stumbled upon this important piece of history, which was once called the Starkville Colored Cemetery.
A Summer of Discovery and Connection
During a summer field school, Anna and her fellow students dedicated their time to uncovering the cemetery’s lost history. They identified a remarkable 81 burials, many of which didn’t have headstones. Among their discoveries were three individuals previously unknown to the community: N.B. Bell, Annie Bell, and John Love. Each burial tells a story, connecting the present with the past and weaving a rich tapestry of community heritage stretching back to the early 1880s.
A Roadblock in Preservation Efforts
Excitement and momentum were building around this project until a sudden and disappointing turn of events occurred. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) cut a nearly $350,000 grant that was crucial for sustaining the preservation efforts. The funding was terminated as a result of budget cuts following previous executive orders from the Trump Administration, which focused on programs that met diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements. Sadly, this meant halting the Starkville Colored Cemetery Field School program and leaving the future of the cemetery’s preservation in limbo.
Community Value Recognized
The loss of funding has left many in Starkville feeling disheartened. The Vice President for Strategic Communications at MSU confirmed that the project not only had strong community ties but also provided academic value for students and faculty alike. Plans for more fieldwork and community engagement activities for the summer of 2024 were canceled, regrettably squashing the spirit of the initiative.
Preservation Beyond Funding
As discussions about the cemetery’s care continue, some community leaders are urging for localized solutions to keep the preservation efforts alive. Oktibbeha County District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer highlighted the essential role of preserving history to maintain community spirit and identity. There’s a growing hope that—despite the loss of federal support—the community will find other ways to remember and celebrate this significant part of their ancestry.
Challenges and Future Possibilities
It’s not just about uncovering forgotten stories; the cemetery faces real threats from littering and nearby development encroaching on its grounds. A sustainable preservation plan was the goal for the first cohort of field school students, aiming to identify 41 headstones and involve various community stakeholders in a collective mission to protect this vital landmark. However, the abrupt cancellation of funding has left many scrambling for alternatives while trying to keep the momentum of awareness alive.
The Importance of Community Action
As further discussions arise, the message is clear: preserving Brush Arbor Cemetery is about more than just funding; it represents a critical connection to local history and issues that resonate today. There is an urgent need for community-driven solutions that not only recognize the cemetery’s significance but also empower residents to take action. Everyone knows that it takes more than just good intentions to safeguard the past for future generations. The onus is now on the people of Starkville to rally together and ensure their heritage is honored, visible, and preserved for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Funding Cuts Halt Preservation Project for Starkville’s Brush Arbor Cemetery
Additional Resources
- C Dispatch: Preservation of Black Cemetery Defunded by Feds
- Google Search: Brush Arbor Cemetery
- C Dispatch: Group Works to Get Historically Black Cemetery on the Map
- Wikipedia: Cemetery
- C Dispatch: Historic Black Cemetery Wrestles with Trash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery
- Forward: My Journey Through the Jewish South
- Google Search: Historic Cemeteries
- Seattle Medium: Local Woman Uses Genealogy
- Google Scholar: Cemetery Preservation
