Preserving Our Past. Guarding Our Future.
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The historic Brooklyn Cemetery was established by the Bethlehem Cemetery Society in 1882. It is the final resting place for many African Americans from Athens and surrounding communities. The people buried here were tradesmen of the period, farmers, preachers, teachers, and professionals in the service industry. They were servicemen, including veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean Conflict. They were mothers, fathers, infants, and children…. they are the shoulders on which the Athens community stands. We honor their memory by restoring a serene dignity to this sacred ground, their final resting place. Serve UGA has been partnering with Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery since the inception of Serve Athens in 2016!
What does Service at Brooklyn Look Like?
The organization's goal is to restore, rebuild, and commemorate not only the cemetery grounds but, more importantly, the individuals laid to rest there. With the help of volunteers from the Athens community and relatives of those buried in the cemetery the difficult job of reclaiming and carefully restoring the site, removing trash, fallen trees, and truckloads of debris has begun. Volunteers would be expected to assist in this effort and also bring their own reflections on the work they did in order to make this work intentional and sustainable towards the improvement of this site. |
Meet the Community Partner:
Mrs. Linda E. Davis, a native to the Athens area, is a partner in the organization of Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, looking to improve the condition of the Cemetery for it to be used and honored once again. She began in 2006 alongside former Clarke Middle School teacher Karl Scott to work on this restoration initiative. In the efforts of Mrs. Linda Davis and her affiliates, nearly 500 of the graves were catalogued, the original layout was acquired, and a master plan was created in 2012 for sustained restoration efforts. Ms. Linda always welcomes time and talent to help with her remarkable plan to make Brooklyn not only a destination for visitors to Athens in search of African American History and heritage but also a fabric of Athens.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Linda loves learning and trying new things! Contact: brooklyncemetery1@gmail.com // davis.lindae@gmail.com |
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Meet the Site Leaders!
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janelle booker
Major: Avian Biology and Applied Biotechnology Why did you join Serve UGA? "I wanted to form a better understanding of the community surrounding UGA while also developing friendships with individuals eager to serve their community." Fun Fact: I love anime and I play Women’s Rugby Contact: jrb29857@uga.edu |
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alyssa ginn Major: Journalism and Economics Why did you join Serve UGA? "I wanted to be a more active member of the Athens community and put myself out there!" Fun Fact: These are really bad fun facts lol but i’m left handed and i really like grape juice! Contact: arg32505@uga.edu |
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harsh patel Major: Finance Why did you join Serve UGA? "To give back to the Athens community and learn about the social justice issues it faces." Fun Fact: I like to cook and learn new techniques and recipes. I love to workout and go hiking Contact: htp62553@uga.edu |
