Fort Ward Observer: Alleljuah? Signs of Progress at Fort Ward’s Old Grave Yard

Fort Ward Observer:  Alleljuah?  Signs of Progress at Fort Ward’s Old Grave Yard

March 30, 2016

by J. Glenn Eugster

It is too soon to tell how the Fort Ward and Seminary African American descendants feel about recent changes to the grave stones at the Old Grave Yard at Fort Ward Park in Alexandria.  The grave yard, which many believe was originally part of the Oakland Baptist Cemetery prior to the creation of Fort Ward Park, has long been neglected by the city.  

In 2007 community leaders, descendants and Oakland Baptist Church leaders came together to ask the City of Alexandria leaders to improve the preservation, protection, maintenance and use of Fort Ward Park.  One of several issues at that time was the condition of the Old Grave Yard and the inadvertent destruction by city park maintenance staff of the grave stones.  A written request was first sent to Lance Mallamo, Director of the Office of Historic Alexandria and then, failing to get a reply, to Louis Hicks, Director of the of Alexandria’s Black History.  Unfortunately after nearly eight months Mr. Mallamo said that the area was the responsibility of the Recreation Department and we should contact Assistant Director Roger Blakeley.  

Fortunately residents of Alexandria love the city and Fort Ward Park including all of this historic and cultural values.  Descendant, community and church leaders continued to stress the need for city leaders to protect the Old Grave Yard, it’s burial markers and the larger historic park.  Hundreds of volunteers investing thousands of hours showed their interest and support for the park over the next eight years.  With the help of City Council members, civic groups, outside non-profit organizations, commonwealth and federal agencies, and others the resistance initially displayed by Mr. Mallamo, Mr. Blakeley and other city managers was overcome.  Today, one of the results of community interest and support was unveiled without any fanfare or public announcements.

This morning, nearly eight-years after Mr. Mallamo tried to deflect the initial 2007 request, two of the Old Grave Yard headstones were uncovered revealing the restoration work which was done by a consultant for the Office of Historic Alexandria.  Two markers have been restored, one in it’s authentic location and the other in a “symbolic location”.  It’s hard to say whether or not anyone cares that this work has finally been done.  The road to partnering with city departments is slow, time consuming and more often than not resistant to community input.  In this case it is one more way the city leaders are repairing the damage done to the Fort Ward community, black history and trust within the African American community.  My view is that it is a small step in the right direction that may not justify a “Allelujah” but that’s not for me to say.