In Leesburg, VA, Civil rights leaders are preparing for battle against a developer planning to build on a historic African American cemetery in Loudoun County.
Several
bodies are buried at the cemetery, but the gravesites are unmarked. The
land is owned by Peterson Companies, which is preparing to move forward
with development on this land in Leesburg.
However,
it is a concerning move for those pushing to preserve the final resting
place for many African Americans that include slaves during the Civil
War.
“The tangible outcome is we do not disinter graves, we don’t move the
remains of our ancestors that have been buried and they are resting in
peace,” Pastor Michelle Thomas of the Loudoun Freedom Center. “These
people have given the majority of their lives for economic purposes. If
they have an opportunity to rest, we should leave them in place until
eternity.”
Thomas said there are eight gravesites in this area.
She fears Peterson Companies will argue their right to build on the
cemetery despite its historical significance dating back to the 1800s.
The
developer purchased the land nearly 20 years ago, but plans to start
building on the land. The acres are approved for mixed use, which could
include retail and residential properties. Peterson Companies said they
are considering all options.
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