Lincoln Cemetery is the final resting place for generations of African Americans, among them Civil War veterans, community leaders and ordinary citizens. It is located on the edge of St. Petersburg and the city of Gulfport.
And while a massive clean up effort is planned there Saturday morning, some people in the community wanted to make sure the massive project got off to a good start.
10 News made a call to Desmond Brooks, the owner of Pro Green Lawn and Pest, located in St. Petersburg, to see if he might be willing to lend a hand since the project spans across nine acres.
Brooks said because he's cleared the land before about 12 to 13 years ago for a period of about a year he'd be happy to do it again. Back then, he says they donated their services to help the cemetery in an effort to give back to the community.
Friday morning, he and four of his workers spent several hours cutting the grass and chopping down tall weeds for free. It's work Brooks says would normally cost at least $3,000.
It's no easy task either. The cemetery, established in 1926, has more than 6,500 people buried there. While about a third of the cemetery towards the front entrance is maintained, the rest of the land is overgrown with weeds, fallen trees, and branches.
Dr. Ralph Wimbish was laid to rest there. Researchers say Wimbish helped integrate lunch counters. Chester James has a plot in the cemetery too. Researchers say during Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency he registered blacks to vote.
There are 245 veterans in Lincoln Cemetery too. Many served in the Civil War, World War I, II and the Vietnam War.
But many of their descendants can't even find their gravesites because the tall grass and weeds have grown over the gravestones.
Gary Chase has lived near the cemetery for some 40 years. One of his former co-workers is buried somewhere in the cemetery.
"I used to know where it was at but I can't find it anymore," Chase said. "His name is James Hunter and we worked in a steel company together. He was just a good ole' guy."
That's part of the reason why Brooks wanted to get involved to honor those laid to rest here.
"I saw tombstones - birthdays from the 1800's - that gave me the chills," Brooks said. "You can actually feel it when you're here. That's America you know what I mean?"
He says he's glad that there's a push to clear away the weeds, trim the trees and restore the tilted and broken headstones in the cemetery.
"It would be nice if I could walk in and we not have to walk through knee high weeds," Chase said.
St. Petersburg city council member Wengay Newton is coordinating the cleanup. He is also trying to have Lincoln Cemetery designated as a historic landmark. His mother is buried here.
Newton toured the cemetery with volunteers late Friday evening and said while 60 to 70 volunteers have signed up to clean up the cemetery Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon. More volunteers are needed.
He wants people to bring gasoline-powered lawn maintenance tools. He suggests small equipment such as weed trimmers. Newton is also asking for donations of water and refreshments.
"The place is definitely in need of attention. We're simply attempting to see what we can accomplish in one day's work to address this issue in our community," Newton said. "Our goal is to help improve the appearance of the place and show respect for those buried there and their survivors."
The cleanup is being supported by Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes and the City of Gulfport. Parking will be available at Boca Ciega High School.
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