Truth Crushed to Earth Will Rise Again

NBC-10: Historic Bethel Burial Ground Below

Philadelphia Park to Receive Standing Memorial

Did you know at one time, Black people were not allowed to be buried anywhere within the Philadelphia city limits? Also, when burials were finally permitted in one central location later on, no grave markers or headstones were allowed. As a result, 5,000 of our people are namelessly buried only 18 inches below the surface of Weccacoe Playground in Queen Village. It's also possible there are many more because the bodies were stacked in three layers. Lord, have mercy. As painful as it is, this is an important part of Philly history that we should know.

If you've got a few minutes to spare, please click on the image or text link underneath and check out the article because it's worth the read. Then, spread the word so others can join in the effort along with the city and Queen Village to make this long overdue memorial happen. Now that this forgotten burial ground has our attention, that is the least we can do to honor our ancestors who deserved so much more respect than what they received at the time of their deaths. Further, the article might be helpful to anyone who may have a relative buried there.

So, the next time you're engaged in a conversation with someone about race relations in America and you are asked, "Why can't you forget about these things and move on?", don't hesitate to share this story and all of the other horror stories of indignities and injustices our people have endured. Then, ask them, "If these things happened to your ancestors, would you forget?"

We, as descendants, are due apologies and concessions from America for any wrongs that can be made right--such as the memorial for this forgotten burial ground. The real tragedy is, we were robbed of knowing the names of these thousands of lost souls because they were not allowed to have grave markers or headstones. But, God knows the names of each and every one of them.

R.I.P. to all of our brothers and sisters beneath Weccacoe Playground. Through no fault of our own, the length of time it took for this to come to light is inexcuseable, but now we know you are there!