NORTHERN KY | November 3, 2026 — History came alive through service on Friday, October 30th, as students and staff from Covington Classical Academy dedicated hours to restoring the historic Mary E. Smith Memorial Cemetery, a treasured African American burial ground.
Erlanger Councilwoman Renee Wilson, a cemetery committee member, extends heartfelt appreciation to the cemetery trustees, committee members Erlanger-Elsmere School Board Member-Elect Serena Owen, Kenton County Soil & Water Conservation District Board Supervisor Larry Owen, Covington School Board Member Kareem Simpson, and the Cities of Elsmere and Erlanger for showing support.
Special recognition goes to the amazing Covington Classical Academy students and staff, who worked tirelessly raking leaves, trimming bushes, clearing overgrowth, and uncovering graves hidden beneath vegetation.
Mr. Simpson and cemetery trustees shared the cemetery’s rich African American history with students, transforming the cleanup into a meaningful educational experience.
Councilwoman Renee Wilson shared: “These remarkable students did more than clean a cemetery, they honored our ancestors, restored dignity, and reminded us that history deserves to be remembered, respected, and preserved!”
Educator and School Board Member-Elect Serena Owen stated: “This is education beyond classroom walls! When young people connect history with hands-on service, they become compassionate leaders and guardians of our shared heritage.”
Retired Teacher and Conservation Board Supervisor Larry Owen added: “Protecting our environment includes preserving sacred spaces. These students demonstrated teamwork, respect, and outstanding stewardship. Their service makes our community proud!”
National Preservation Fact: Recognizing the importance of historic Black cemeteries, Congress authorized $3 million annually from fiscal years 2023 through 2027—up to $15 million total (authorized appropriations, not confirmed funding expenditures), for grants supporting the identification, restoration, preservation, and documentation of African American burial grounds nationwide.
Councilwoman Wilson encourages continued volunteerism, historical education, and cemetery preservation.
Together, we honor the past, inspire the present, and preserve history for future generations!
Reference: U.S. Congress. (2022). African-American Burial Grounds Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. § 308603(b)(1). https://uscode.house.gov/us/usc/119-120/t54/s308603/
