CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When people see the Saint Lloyd Presbyterian Cemeteries they may confuse them for parks, but underneath the dirt, history lies below.
It's a place where the past meets the future.
Today, a community in Charlotte has come together to preserve and bring awareness to the unique Black history of these cemeteries.
Vickie Johnson and her brother, Wayne Johnson, started the nonprofit St. Lloyd Presbyterian Cemetery Foundation to preserve Black history. It's a history that dies if people forget.
"They had no idea this was a cemetery even though there is a sign on the site," Vickie said. "This is our ancestors this is our people we want to give them the respect they deserve."
The Saint Lloyd Presbyterian Cemeteries have two different locations with more than 200 stories buried underneath. But on land with very few headstones, who would ever know about the history that lies beneath?
"Back in the day there were no headstones no markers, people just buried your kin folks," Vickie said.
"Those people in these particular cemeteries are the shoulders we stand on and helped develop Mecklenburg County," Wayne said. "It was our gathering place. We had so much fun here and we were happy."
Wayne said as they continue their efforts to raise money to upkeep both cemeteries, the foundation is asking for the community’s help to bring the memories of the dead back to life.
If you would like to learn more about ways to donate call Emily Ethridge at (704) 405-5148 or send an e-mail.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.