- M
- M
Sunrise Cemetery is a Black cemetery located north of town. Many of the citizens of Dresden were not aware that we had a segregated cemetery until two years ago (2020) when I posted photos on Facebook showing its disrepair. It almost looked like it had been vandalized. I was amazed at how many people in the community reached out to offer to help. So we formed a board and elected officers and in just one year we were able to organize our first community cleanup day.
The Sunrise Cemetery Association planned a community event at Sunrise Cemetery to repair, restore and beautify the cemetery. After months of planning, we decided on the third Saturday in June, 2021. One Friend of Sunrise said it best, “Little did any of us know that this would be the first “official” Federal recognition of Juneteenth. What better way to celebrate Juneteenth than honoring deceased friends by cleaning and weeding a beautiful resting place. All in attendance agreed that we would make this an annual event.”
Last year we were able to repair some of the headstones and temporarily gravel the driveway. Our goal for this year is to raise funds to pave the drive, level the ground and repair more headstones.
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Cemetery Cleanup and Fundraiser will benefit the restoration of Sunrise Cemetery in Dresden, TN.
Saturday, June 18th 8:30 am -12:30 pm
Sunrise Cemetery Association
Charlene Miller, Treasurer
Visit our Facebook page Sunrise Cemetery, Dresden