‘Today, we remember them’ Old Cemetery markers unveiled, bringing a forgotten piece of Shelby history back into view
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
SHELBY / SUNSET CEMETERY – “We remember all those people who may not have a grave marker… today we remember them and we will continue to honor them through these plaques, through these ceremonies, through all of our efforts, because we are standing on the shoulders of giants,” were the words of the Rev. Jamaal Edwards as he spoke to all those in attendance Saturday morning at Sunset Cemetery, behind the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby.
Saturday morning, around one hundred people from across Cleveland County gathered for the unveiling of new historical markers recognizing the Old Cemetery, a burial ground that once served enslaved and free Black residents and paupers of unknown ethnicity.
The site also holds an important place in the history of Shelby’s Black community. It was the location of Shelby’s first established Black church and the city’s first public school for Black students. Shiloh Baptist Church has confirmed through its records that the church’s original location was at the site.
The ceremony was part of an ongoing effort by the Our Stories Project and the City of Shelby to research the cemetery, identify those who were buried there and preserve the history of the site by educating future generations.
Chavis Gash, who serves as the chair for the Our Stories Project Board, which oversees the Sunset Project, hosted the unveiling ceremony. Speaking first, Gash welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a brief history of the current project.
The Saturday morning ceremony brought together representatives from the community, churches, the NAACP, the city and the Our Stories Project. The Shiloh Baptist Church Ensemble provided music during the ceremony.
Bishop Carolyn Briggs of the NAACP, Cleveland County Branch 5379B, provided the greeting.
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“The Cleveland County branch of the NAACP would like to welcome you to this hallowed ground,” said Briggs. “The resting place of our ancestors who are buried here. We are here today to honor their resting place, and we shall never forget them. For too long, the final resting places of these individuals were hidden, neglected, or forgotten by history. But today, we stand here to say we will not forget anymore. We remember them to restore their dignity. As we walk these grounds, let us move with reverence and quiet respect. Let us open up our hearts to feel the weight of history, but also to celebrate the enduring legacy of survival that connects us to those who came before.”
The Reverend Anita Ware of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, which is located directly in front of Sunset Cemetery, provided some thoughts on the significance of the recognition of the Old Cemetery and how it’s forever connected with the Church of the Redeemer.
“What has been forgotten help us faithfully remember,” said Ware. “Bless all who have searched, studied, listened, told these stories, and cared for this ground. And make us good neighbors to one another and faithful stewards of the land entrusted to us.
May these markers speak when we are gone. May they remind generations yet to come that every life is worthy of remembrance. Every story worthy of hearing and every resting place worthy of honor; may peace rest upon this ground.”
The Reverend Jamaal Edwards, Shiloh Baptist Church, provided the main comments of the unveiling ceremony. Edwards spoke of remembrance, of unity, restoration and gratitude.
“…Today, as we stand here, we're grateful for all those mothers and fathers, those grandparents, those ancestors that came before us, those that suffered and died and worked and toiled and whose names may be forgotten.
“But today we remember all the Loises. We remember all the Eunices. We remember all those people who may not have a grave marker, but today we remember them and we will continue to honor them through these plaques, through these ceremonies, through all of our efforts, because we are standing on the shoulders of giants.
“We're here today because someone saw fit to prayerfully start a church called Shiloh. Someone prayerfully decided to try to establish a school. Someone said there's a need for paupers to have somewhere to be buried with dignity. Someone said there's a need for a cemetery for those that were enslaved and free to be buried in dignity.
“And we remember all those who sacrificed to make this day possible here.” Edwards said.
City of Shelby Manager Justin Merritt also spoke at the ceremony.
“This is, as you have heard, an extraordinary project and it has been inspiring to see this community come together to support such an important cause.”
Merritt praised the Sunset Committee of the Our Stories Project, Shiloh Baptist Church and the City of Shelby for making this day possible.
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While this work is far from complete, significant progress has been made, and through continued support by the City of Shelby, the Our Stories Project Committee, and the Shelby community at large,” noted Merritt. “We will continue to honor those buried here and bring forth an important piece of black history in the city of Shelby.”
The dedication of the markers concluded with a closing prayer by The Rev. Dr. Charles Webber of the Shelby City Council.
The markers were then unveiled by the speakers and City Council Members present, which included Webber and Andrew Hopper, Sr.
According to information on the newly dedicated historical markers, and comments made during the ceremony, A.G. Melton surveyed cemeteries throughout Cleveland County and estimated that the area contained approximately 300 graves dating back to as early as 1867.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
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