Photo Of Mt Olive Cemetery Showing The Installment Of 2022-2023 Projects
This is the most updated photo of the front of Mt. Olive Cemetery at the gathering space. You can see a white cross on the far left, which is marking an unknown grave. If you look closely, you can also see a Corten steel cross to the left of the memorial headstone. Through an Altra Federal Credit Union Community Assistance Award awarded to the Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society in 2022, we are in the process of placing 78 of these crosses throughout the cemetery on many of the unmarked graves. These crosses are being fabricated by Alexander Manufacturing in Virginia.
Additionally, you can see the beautiful memorial headstone created by Hutton Monument Company in Clarksville, TN, which states on the front: "In memory of the hundreds of African American souls with unmarked graves resting in honored glory at Mt Olive Cemetery. May they live on forever, and this memorial record their loss to the world." This is such a wonderful and special tribute to honor and remember all of the unknown interments at the cemetery.
Additionally, there are two brown benches and a historical panel on the far right, which tells the story of Mt. Olive Cemetery and the founding of the Society by Genevia Ann Bell, who has a bronze plaque memorial between the panel and the bench on the right. There are a total of three panels and six benches placed throughout the cemetery, which were items funded by a Helper Grant awarded to the Society by the Nashville Predators Foundation in 2022.
Also, Mt. Olive Cemetery was designated as an official Tree Sanctuary in December of 2022 by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC). There are currently 17 tree species that have been identified in the cemetery (there are many more), all which include official tree signs. The Tree Sanctuary plaque received from the TUFC is located directly beneath the green Mt. Olive Cemetery sign (above the bench on the right). One of the trees that has a tree sign is the large one you see between the white and brown crosses.
Finally, underneath the Mt. Olive Cemetery sign, you can see the Society's "Missing 6 Project," created and installed by Chris Shaffer of South Oak Designs in Clarksville, TN. This project is a remembrance and memorial to the six United States Colored Troops at Mt. Olive Cemetery who have no headstone.
Thank you to all those who have been involved in our 2022-2023 projects to restore and preserve Mt. Olive Cemetery and the stories and legacies of those interred. We truly appreciate and are extremely grateful for your contributions to our mission of emphasizing the influence and contributions of African Americans regarding the history, education, development, growth, and culture in the Clarksville, TN area.
Tyra Garlington, Virginia Radio Talk Show Host Visits Mt Olive Cemetery
Tyra Garlington, radio talk show host, author, inspirational speaker, business owner, and gamechanger, of the international podcast, "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G," came to visit Mt Olive Cemetery on Friday, June 23, 2023. A few Society members were present to provide her with an extensive tour, as they visited the first burial (James Hunt, 1817), the last burial (Oscar Jasper Holmes, 1958), and many notable individuals in between. Some of these individuals were the following:
- Jordan Barksdale: Clarksville's first African American entrepreneur
- Martilla Frazier: enslaved to Cave Johnson, who was the U.S. Postmaster General to President James K. Polk
- Sterling Campbell: served in the 16th USCT
- Robert Vass: served in the 101st USCT
- William H. Harris: served in the 24th U.S. Infantry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers)
- Joe King Bailey: served in World War II for the 25th U.S. Infantry Regiment
- William Logan: served in the 12th USCT; the local newspaper noted that his funeral was one of the largest-attended funerals ever for an African American in Clarksville
- Chesterfield Dabney: served in the 16th USCT and who has one of the largest family plots in the cemetery
To complete the tour, a Society member performed an original song titled, "You Won't Die Twice," which is a tribute to Mt Olive Cemetery. The Society wishes to thank Ms. Garlington for traveling all the way from Fairfax, Virginia to tour Mt Olive Cemetery and learn about those interred. The primary reason for her visit was because the Society was featured on "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G" a couple times in 2023.So, if you would like to listen to those podcast episodes, please visit "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G" on any podcast-streaming platform, and view the following episodes:
-May 2, 2023 episode titled, "Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society Honors the Memory of African Americans in Clarksville, Tennessee Whose Struggle Was Real!"
-February 28, 2023 episode titled, "Black History Month: Stories that Need Telling with Guest Colonel Arthur Nick Nicholson Retired, and Current President of the Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society."
You can also find and listen to these episodes on Ms. Garlington's website at the following links:
May 2, 2023: tyragarlington.com/mt-olive-cemetery-historical-preservation-society-their-struggle-was-real/
February 28, 2023: tyragarlington.com/black-history-month-stories-that-need-telling-with-guest-colonel-arthur-nick-nicolson-retired-and-current-president-of-the-mt-olive-cemetery-historical-preservation-cocietyreaerd-and-president-of-th/
Society Holds Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
On 29 May 2023, the Society held our annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Mt Olive Cemetery at 0900 hrs. Please see the below images taken at the event.
Thank you to all those who were involved in the planning and execution of this event, as well as all of the Society's partners and friends who have contributed to our mission over the last year.
David Davenport Nominated for BLK Xcellence 2023 Community Activist of the Year
The Society is thrilled to see one of our Board members, Mr. David Davenport, nominated for the 2023 BLK Xcellence Community Activist of the Year award. The others on this excellent list are also friends and supporters of the Society. Best wishes to you all!
You may cast your vote for Community Activist of the Year and a number of other awards at the following link: https://jd9ino1dp8f.typeform.com/to/noy9Abtl
Congratulations to all of this year's nominees!
Society to be Featured on Clarksville's Community Corner with Lee Irwin
Please listen to the Society's interview with Lee Irwin and Five Star Media Group on May 27th and 28th! See the attached flyer for details.
Memorial Day Ceremony 2023 at Mt Olive Cemetery
ATTENTION:
The Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society is inviting the community to the our Memorial Day Ceremony at Mt Olive Cemetery on May 29, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (rain or shine).
We will be unveiling many of the projects we have been working on over the last year and would enjoy sharing in this experience with you all!
Friend of the Society, David Dunlap Sr., Passes Away
Today, the Society wanted to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life of David Eugene Dunlap Sr., who passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2023, at his home in Cumberland City.
Mr. Dunlap was a friend of the Society and a close friend of Society member, Robert Spencer. Here is a link to the obituary of Mr. Dunlap: https://www.navefuneralhomes.com/.../david--dunlap/5189609/
As his obituary stated, "Rest in peace, David E. Dunlap Sr. Your legacy and impact on the community will never be forgotten, and you will always be remembered as a beloved husband, father, and community member."
TN National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention Team Tours the Cemetery
On 4 May 2023, employees of the TN National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention Strategy Team toured the cemetery.
Thank you all for your interest and time!
Society Appears on Podcast Episode 266 of Frankly Speaking with Tyra G
The Society is thrilled to have received the opportunity to be featured on the podcast, "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G," and we would like to share the recording to all of those interested in listening to the episode. Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/.../1pU8pxsu0lGPKMJZuYrE.../view...
You can also listen to the podcast at Tyra Garlington's website at https://tyragarlington.com/mt-olive-cemetery-historical.../.
Another way to access the podcast is by using any podcast-streaming platform and searching for Episode 266 on "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G." Additionally, the episode will be replayed on www.radiofairfax.com on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Thank you all for your support and interest in learning about African American history of Clarksville, TN!
Reminder: Society to be Featured on Frankly Speaking with Tyra G Podcast
Society to be Featured in May 2023 AARP Bulletin
In May of 2023, the Society will be featured on page 44 of the AARP Bulletin.
APSU What's Up Wednesday Presentation at Honors Commons
Society Director of Education and Engagement and Assistant Professor of Public Health at APSU, Dr. Tyler Nolting, presented at APSU's Honors Commons to APSU Honors Students on April 12, 2023, about all of the happenings of the Society since January of 2022 until April of 2023.
Society to be Featured on Frankly Speaking with Tyra G Radio Show and Podcast
A few Society members were fortunate to be invited to "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G" to record an episode for Tyra Garlington's radio show and podcast. The Society spoke on the topic of "Their Struggle Was Real," which highlights the story of Mt Olive Cemetery, those interred, and how African Americans persevered and built a community, despite living during times of extreme oppression and racism in America.
Society Recognized in APSU's SHAPE Campaign for Work with APSU Students
Society board members did a wonderful job in helping make this experience happen for APSU students!
Upon reflecting on the experience, one student remarked, "I was touched by the stories of my people. I was even more touched by the actions of others who have never met these USCT and their families, yet, they take the time out of their lives to care for them."
A group of students stated that, "Prior to meeting the Society members and going to Mt Olive Cemetery, we were not very interested or have an understanding of the history and importance of keeping the memories alive. Their passion was very respectful and cleaning headstones gave us all a sense of pride and connection."
Society Members Repair Damaged Cemetery Fence
On April 4, 2023, Society members spent time repairing fence bordering the cemetery, which had been damaged from some recent storms and other previous hazardous tree removal projects.
Society Installs Bronze Plaque At Fort Defiance To Recognize & Honor Nashville Predators Foundation
On March 28, 2023, the Society installed a bronze plaque and post at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center to recognize and celebrate the Nashville Predators Foundation, which awarded the Society a $10,000 Helper Grant in 2022 for our Wayside Exhibits Project.
This plaque specifically commemorates the two United States Colored Troops (USCT) wayside exhibits, which are on each side of the USCT monument, which was donated by the Society to the City of Clarksville on Juneteenth weekend of 2022.
Thank you, Nashville Predators Foundation!
APSU Students Help Clean Up Mt Olive Cemetery
Today, March 28th, 2023, two APSU students, Laila Holmes and Perriona-Zamari Chihi, helped with clearing tree debris during the Society's weekly cleanup session.
Thank you for your service to Mt Olive Cemetery!
AARP Tennessee Set To Partner With Society For Spring 2023 Events
The Society is thankful to partner with AARP Tennessee for a couple spring cemetery restoration and preservation events:
- Headstone-cleaning seminar on March 31, 2023 (postponed to April 21 due to weather)
- Pedestrian bridge restoration on May 26, 2023
Thank you, AARP Tennessee, for your support and efforts!!
APSU Students Participate In Headstone-Cleaning Seminar & Tour
On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, APSU students in HHP 3450: Health Issues of Special Populations participated in a headstone-cleaning seminar and tour of the cemetery (through the lens of public health).
Society Completes Trail Signs Project: Funded through a Discretionary Grant from the Grateful Daniel Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
On 1 March 2023, the Society completed our Trail Signs Project, which was funded through a 2022 Discretionary Grant from the Grateful Daniel Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
This grant funded the fabrication and installation of signposts and trail signs throughout the cemetery, which will help with navigation, while honoring specific Veterans groups and other notable individuals interred at the cemetery.
Please enjoy some of the images from the installation process.
President Nicholson Featured On Podcast: "Frankly Speaking With Tyra G"
President of the Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, Arthur "Nick" Nicholson, was a recent guest on the podcast, "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G." In order to commemorate #BlackHistoryMonth and to honor and celebrate the #UnitedStatesColoredTroops (#USCT), President Nicholson performed an original spoken word piece titled, "The Exposé into the Mind of the USCT."
You are welcome to listen to the podcast at the following link: https://drive.google.com/.../1DsSeM9HIc11DMTyMLI.../view...
You can also listen to the podcast at Tyra Garlington's webpage at the following link: https://tyragarlington.com/black-history-month-stories.../
You may also listen to the podcast through whichever medium you consume podcasts (e.g., Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, etc.). Just search for "Frankly Speaking with Tyra G."
On the podcast episode, President Nicholson is introduced at the 6:49 mark, and he completes his interview at the 28:24 mark. He invites you to reflect on his words and the history experienced by the USCT. Enjoy!
Society Board Members Interviewed On WSMV Channel 4 News For Black History Month
Society board members, Nick Nicholson (President) and Phyllis Smith (Historian) appeared on WSMV 4 News for Black History Month on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Please take some time to watch the video at the following link: https://www.wsmv.com/2023/02/24/mt-olive-cemetery-historical-preservation-society-works-keep-cemeterys-black-history-alive/?fbclid=IwAR0F0AmwnSxbKVZBZZibVG8kFjlEOJW9Bz4M1yZWyEQMbtJYMfIMQrLyqMQ
USCT Monument Appears On The Cover Of Clarksville Parks & Recreation's 2022 Annual Report
The Society would like to thank the Clarksville Parks and Recreation and their Director, Jennifer Letourneau, for the recognition and celebration of the USCT monument in their 2022 Annual Report. This monument was unveiled at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center on June 18, 2022.
The Society commissioned the production of this monument and donated it to the City of Clarksville as a way to honor and celebrate the 20,133 USCT of Tennessee, of which 31 are interred at Mt Olive Cemetery.
Here is a link to the report: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yarrh/oxru/#p=1online.fliphtml5.com/yarrh/oxru/#p=1
Genevia Ann Bell Featured in Clarksville Now Black History Month Article
On February 13, 2023, an article written by Chris Smith was published on the Clarksville Now webpage. The title of the article is, "10 Black Leaders Who Helped Shape Clarksville's History," and in the article, Genevia Ann Bell, the founder of the Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society was featured. We are delighted to see that her servant leadership has left an amazing legacy. Here is the link to the article:
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/10-black-leaders-who-helped-shape-clarksvilles-history/
Society hosts a Black History Month presentation at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center titled, "Life as a USCT."
On 11 FEB 2023 at 1300 hrs, the Society hosted a Black History Month presentation at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center titled, "Life as a USCT." Thanks to everyone who came to the presentation. The Society appreciates and values your support! Please enjoy some photos below.
Also, please enjoy a video of the event, which was recorded by the Tennessee African American Historical Group (TAAHG).
Thank you, Delton Wells, the Society's Director of Military Engagement, and member of TAAHG, for capturing the event. Here is the link to the video:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=524215333155278
WSMV Channel 4 News Story About Mt Olive Cemetery
On Thursday, February 23, WSMV 4 News will have a special story about Mt Olive Cemetery, with interviews from our President and Executive Director, Arthur "Nick" Nicholson, and our Historian, Phyllis Smith.
We hope you can watch the broadcast and learn more about Mt Olive Cemetery!
Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society presents ‘Life as a USCT’ for Black History Month
Please join the society on 11 Feb. at 1300 hrs. at Fort Defiance to celebrate Black History Month by learning about the USCT! The event will take place inside the interpretive center. So, there's no need to worry about the weather:)
Refreshments will be provided and tours of Mt Olive Cemetery will be offered after the presentation.
Below, is a link to a story in Clarksville Now promoting the event:
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/mt-olive-cemetery-historical-preservation-society-presents-life-as-a-usct-for-black-history-month/
Society and Friends Present USCT Event at the Customs House
On February 2, 2023, the Society, the Clarksville African American Legacy Trail, and Ebone Amos of APSU, provided a special presentation at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center to remember and honor the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Please view the video of the event at the following link: https://share.icloud.com/photos/026JXF4jf94U4z7n1rZAZMq9Q
In The Video:
- First, Nick Nicholson presents an exposé into the mind of a USCT.
- Next, Ebone Amos, Assistant Professor of African American Studies at APSU, presents a dance depicting the emotions and feelings of a mother of a USCT at war. The song is "Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen," performed by Mahalia Jackson.
- Finally, Tyler Nolting, the Society's Director of Education and Engagement, performs an original song, which depicts the story of an enslaved man of African descent becoming a USCT.
Society to Host Black History Month Presentation: "Life as a USCT," at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center
On 11 February at 1:00 p.m., please join the Society at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center for our Black History Month Presentation, "Life as a USCT."
The Society and African American Legacy Trail kick off Black History Month 2023 at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
The Society and the African American Legacy Trail will kick off Black History Month at the Turner Room of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. Included in the presentation will be a spoken word soliloquy exploring the mind of a United States Colored Troops soldier, as well as an interpretive dance channeling the perspective of the soldier's female family member.
Omega Psi Phi and The Wounded Warrior Project Help Install 6 New Benches in the Cemetery
Representatives of Omega Psi Phi and The Wounded Warrior Project helped the Society install 6 new benches on Friday, 27 January, 2023, at the cemetery.
These benches were funded through the Nashville Predators Foundation Helper Grant Program.
Society Presents Publication at Customs House Museum & Cultural Center History on the Rocks Event
The Society was pleased to present our Second & Commerce publication, "Mt Olive Cemetery: You Won't Die Twice," at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center's History on the Rocks event, held on Thursday, January 26th, at 5:30 p.m., at Strawberry Alley Ale Works.
Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023
As long as we allow Dr. King's words to guide us, our mission will be accomplished.
Today, we honor, remember, and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., who taught us all how to love and live for others.
Three Historical Panels Installed at Mt Olive Cemetery
Tuesday, January 10, 2023, was a very special day for the Society. It was the day that we installed 3 historical panels at Mt Olive Cemetery. These panels were funded through a Nashville Predators Foundation Helper Grant that the Society received in 2022.
We thank the Nashville Predators Foundation, volunteers, and all the others who made this project possible. Without you all, this project could not have happened!
Two other historical panels were part of this project, which were installed in June of 2022 at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center.
Also, the Society will be installing 6 benches in the cemetery as well, which were also part of our Helper grant. See images to the left of the installed panels.
Mt Olive Cemetery Featured in January 2023 Edition of Second & Commerce Magazine
Please enjoy the January 2023 edition of Second & Commerce, the quarterly magazine published by the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Mt Olive Cemetery has a story included in the publication, and we hope you enjoy reading and learning about the cemetery's history and the impact those interred there had and continue to have on the Clarksville community.
Here is the link:
https://issuu.com/customshousemuseum/docs/sc-vol2issue2-final-issuu-all
Clarksville Academy High School Students Visit Mt Olive Cemetery
The Society would like to thank Coach Scott Murray and Clarksville Academy for coordinating a tour of Mt Olive Cemetery for a group of high school students in the school's Winterim program.
Today's tour focused on the physical and mental health experiences of several individuals interred at the cemetery. Additionally, students learned about the general health experiences of African Americans from the early 1800s until the mid-1950s, including both Veteran and non-Veteran populations.
It was an awesome experience, and the Society thanks Clarksville Academy staff and students for their attentiveness, respect, and honor they gave to the cemetery and those interred today.
