The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition is fighting to preserve Moses Cemetery, a historic Black burial ground in Bethesda, Maryland. The cemetery, which dates back to the 19th century, is the final resting place of many formerly enslaved individuals and African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War.

A Community’s History

The cemetery is located near the Macedonia Baptist Church, a church that has been a cornerstone of the African American community in Bethesda for over a century. Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, a member of the church and leader of the coalition, has been working to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the cemetery and the history it represents.

The coalition’s efforts have been met with resistance from local developers, who have built on top of the cemetery and destroyed many of the graves. Despite this, the coalition remains committed to protecting the cemetery and ensuring that the history of the African American community in Bethesda is preserved.

A Maafa Protest

In June, the coalition hosted a Maafa protest, which drew attention to the destruction of the cemetery and the importance of preserving African American history. The protest, which was attended by members of the community and local leaders, included traditional African American hymns, prayers, and speeches.

The term ‘Maafa’ refers to the centuries-long atrocities associated with the Trans-Atlantic and East African slave trades, as well as the generational effects of systemic racism. The coalition’s use of this term highlights the significance of the cemetery as a symbol of the community’s history and resilience.

The coalition’s fight to preserve Moses Cemetery is not just about protecting a historic site, but about preserving the history and culture of the African American community in Bethesda. As Dr. Coleman-Adebayo noted, ‘This is a fight for land, but it’s also a fight for our history and our identity.’

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.