A memorial honoring the lives and legacy of more than 750 African Americans buried in segregated, mostly unmarked graves in Historic Liberty, Missouri.
Clay County African American Legacy celebrated Missouri's Bicentennial with a memorial honoring more than 750 African Americans buried in the segregated sections of Fairview and New Hope Cemeteries. Persons who were enslaved, domestic staff, day laborers, housewives, infants and children, businessmen, veterans, and more are buried in this hallowed ground. These mothers, sons, fathers, and daughters are buried in a 6-acred field, mostly in unmarked graves, and we have made it our mission to acknowledge them in their final resting place. Coming together as a community, we recognize that their contributions to Liberty helped build the town we call home, and we invite all to join us in honoring their lives and legacy.
Learn
Get started with the memorial vision, read the names of confirmed souls buried in this ground, or dive into the history of the lives they lived through their stories, Black History in Liberty, or historical documents. Scroll down to learn more.
Donate
The memorial was the latest project of CCAAL. Projects like this, ongoing programming, and scholarships are made possible by donations from friends like you. Click here to join us in this worthy effort.
Share
Spread the word. Share this site with your friends and family and on social media. Follow us on Instagram to see updates on the project as it unfolds and learn more about the untold stories of those honored by the memorial.
Watch the video: local poet and historian Shelton Ponder points the way to this sacred land.
More Resources and Ongoing Research
Sacred Ground
First and foremost, we acknowledge this hallowed ground and the honor it deserves. Click the image or text above to learn more about the placement of the memorial and the steps we have taken to ensure the land and those buried underneath it are treated with reverence.
Photo Gallery
Photos of Black life in Liberty are extremely precious. Browse our ever-growing collection of photographs, some dating back to the late 1800’s. This composite “family album” helps us remember that those buried here were once living beings with friends and family surrounding them.
The Story Continues
Browse a scrapbook collection of newspaper clippings that celebrate the Black community in Liberty and their achievements. Read about the resilient dedication to building a community of faith, family, and service to others.
Know Their Names
Here you will find our most up-to-date list of confirmed names of the African Americans buried in mostly unmarked graves in the segregated sections of Fairview and New Hope Cemeteries. Read the names and, in some cases, their burial and death records.
Historical Documents
During our research, we accessed a range of sources, including primary documents. These historical documents include census records, slave schedules, military records, marriage licenses, death certificates, and newspaper advertisements for the sale of the enslaved.
Burial Grounds
Injustice followed thousands of African Americans into their final resting place and burial sites like the one in Liberty can be found throughout the country. Learn more about African American burial grounds and the efforts being done to restore them.
Liberty Black History
The first African Americans came to Liberty in 1817 with the Southern families who enslaved them. These enslaved people and their descendants became the pioneers who founded the Black community that has been an integral part of Clay County for almost 200 years.
Enslaved to Soldier
While researching the records of the United States Colored Troops, we discovered that 67 Black men from Clay County enlisted at the Liberty Recruitment Station of the Union army. Here, we honor them by recognizing their service and acknowledging that some made the ultimate sacrifice.
Read the Stories
Until now, the stories of the hundreds of souls buried on this land have gone largely unnamed and untold. Read a few of their stories and join us as we honor the legacy of these lives well-lived.
