The segregated cemetery in Norris Community was one of the places we visited during the class first field trip. And I took some photographs. The cemetery is divided into two parts by barb wires to show the demarcation.
The whites have the part that extends to the left hand side when standing on the road, while the blacks’ side is to the right. On the black side there are many tomb stones both big and small. One of those that caught my attention was J.W Rilley, who died on October 24, 1918.
When I asked Harry Turner if he had any information about Mr. Rilley, he laughed and told said "I have no idea, all I know is that he was a black man". During the field trip Mr. Harry said the black cemetery has not been used for quite some time since there is now a common cemetery for all colors.
Another interesting thing is that Mr.Harry Turner could not also tell me why the cemetery is called Lebanon. "I don't know but that is the name that is called" He told me. As we moved towards the whites side, I asked Mr. Harry again "Is the white’s side also called Lebanon?" He answered "I am not sure. Maybe they have their own name". But out of my own curiosity, I walked towards there to see and I discovered that the whites part of the cemetery has an iron fence which has a carved artisitc design boldly written on it is LEBANON. So what struck me is how Mr. Harry did not know that both cemeteries are called Lebanon. He thought it was the black side only. And so I walked back to him and said "They all have the same name Mr. Harry" And he responded "Oh really?”
That cemetery is so interesting to me, even in name. An important research project for someone some day soon, that's for certain.
ReplyDeleteYes I also thought of that and that would be really an interesting research topic especially those buried during slavery. I am wondering if they had some kind of rituals they perform before burial. I mean in their own way. I have been thinking of it for some time now.
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