Thursday, May 4, 2023

All Together Here: Discovery and Remembrance Monument Dedication and Memorial Event, Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21 at Oakwood Cemetery l

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Oakwood Cemetery Chapel presents All Together Here Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21 at Oakwood Cemetery located at 1601 Navasota St. The event is a public memorial and monument dedication that honors the 36 people recently reinterred in Oakwood Cemetery.
 
In 2016, during the rehabilitation of the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, archaeologists monitoring construction discovered the remains of 36 men, women, and children beneath the footprint of the Chapel. Construction was halted and thus began the journey of confronting injustice and gaining insight into the lives of the people who were discovered.
 
Since then, with help from nationally renowned archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, community activists, and City staff, we have hosted several community events in honor of those found in 2016. “All Together Here” is the grand finale in this series of tributes.
 
The weekend events include:

  • Guided tours of the Historic Colored Grounds and the Oakwood Chapel
  • Talk by a historian
  • Racial healing circle
  • Dedication of the monuments
  • Walking procession
  • Homegoing celebration

These events are free and open to the public. Attendees can RSVP on Eventbrite.
 
To learn more about the history of Oakwood Chapel Cemetery visit oakwoodsymposium.org.