Historic Speakers And New Technology Converge At 125th Anniversary Of South-View Cemetery, April 17

 

 

South-view_cemetery.jpgOne hundred twenty-five years ago six former slaves believed that African Americans in Atlanta deserved a decent, respectful resting place. That dream became the historic South-View Cemetery located on Jonesboro Road.  Kenneth Morris, the great-great-great grandson of the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass,  and former Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders, whose grandfather, Rev. William Holmes Borders, is interred at the cemetery, will be featured at a special celebration to mark the cemetery’s anniversary.

Dozens of families will gather to honor those who have made their earthly transition and the historic legacy of this celebrated hallowed ground

Jacob McKinley, George W. Graham, Robert Grant, Charles H. Morgan, Albert Watts and John Render came together to organize a facility where everyone would be honored in the previously segregated South.  As a result, on April 21, 1886, South-View Cemetery received its charter. The special 2011 Palm Sunday celebration on April 17, will also mark the dedication of the new mausoleum.

Before there was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there was Rev. Martin Luther “Daddy” King Sr. and his devoted wife, Alberta King. Both are entombed at South-View. Martin Luther King Jr. was originally entombed at the cemetery until his body was moved to a crypt at the King Center. In fact, every pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church is buried at South-View. Several other famous ministers, including  Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, Edward Randolph Carter and many others are honored at this great  Lakewood Heights location.

Other notables buried at South-View Cemetery include educators like C.L. Harper, M. Agnes Jones, David T. Howard, Luther Judson Price, millionaire businessman Alonzo Herndon, two Tuskegee Airmen, several Atlanta Black Crackers and others who represent the rich history and legacy of Atlanta. The roots of Morris Brown College run deep at South-View with the presence of two presidents, Rev. John Lewis and Dean Edward Caesar Mitchell. John Wesley Dobbs, the grandfather of  Mayor Maynard Jackson,  also rests at South-View. The bottom line is that South-View Cemetery is a true historic treasure for the city of Atlanta and preservationists.

During the 125th Anniversary  celebration, which will be held at 2 pm., the Historic South-View Preservation Foundation will receive the City of Atlanta Phoenix Award, a prestigious honor for groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to the residents of Georgia.

William Whitaker Allison, president of the Historic South-View Preservation Foundation Inc., will deliver a very special announcement that will represent a special technological and educational initiative of South-View.

As a part of that ongoing effort, the Preservation Foundation has issued an appeal for special pictures and stories from family members who have loved ones on the grounds of South-View.

Please share your special memory with us for commemorative material as well as the development of our future projects.

Learn more about the history, art and the preservation efforts at South-View Cemetery, including special walking tours, by visiting www.southviewcemetery.com or calling 404-622-5393.

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