**Valley Non-Profit Advocating for Monument at Historic Black Cemetery in Edinburg**
In a resolute push to honor the legacy and history of Black communities in the Rio Grande Valley, the local non-profit organization Village in the Valley (ViVa) has launched an initiative to erect a marble monument at Restlawn Cemetery in Edinburg. This historic Black cemetery is currently marked by a deteriorated plywood sign, which the non-profit aims to replace.
Preserving History and Honoring Ancestors
Founded with a mission to uplift Black communities in the Rio Grande Valley, Village in the Valley is spearheading an effort to raise $50,000 to construct a lasting tribute to those interred at Restlawn Cemetery. The cemetery, nearly obscured and forgotten over the years, lines U.S. Highway 281 near Richardson and Jasmine Roads, behind Hillcrest Cemetery. For community members, it represents a poignant symbol of the Valley’s overlooked past.
“It is something that people really look and feel proud of the history, how far Edinburg has come,” remarked Dr. Theresa Gatling, co-president of Village in the Valley. The sentiment stems from a collective vision to preserve this bastion of Black history and to ensure the cultural contributions and sacrifices of the African American community are recognized for generations to come.
Dr. Gatling highlighted the core philosophy driving the project: “Because you can imagine marble. Marble is not going anywhere very fast. Engraving those names into the marble will mean it’s there forever. We’re not going to have to worry about the wind and the rain and the sun and the sap,” she added, emphasizing the monument’s intended permanence.
Local Impact and Community Involvement
The initiative carries profound significance for Valley residents, illuminating parts of local history that have been largely underrepresented. Historically, African American contributions to the region have not always been acknowledged prominently. The monument’s construction is expected to affirm a narrative of inclusiveness and respect across the diverse spectrum of the community.
To galvanize financial and moral support, ViVa commenced their fundraising efforts in alignment with the celebration of Juneteenth—a strategic nod to the broader significance of emancipation and equality milestones in American history. The group’s fundraising event witnessed participation from across the Rio Grande Valley, with descendants from Houston attending a heartfelt ceremony—united in honoring their forebears who rest in the soil of Restlawn.
Community leaders have endorsed ViVa’s noble endeavor. “Recognizing the historical African American experience in our region is a vital part of celebrating our collective history,” stated Edinburg City Councilmember Jorge Salinas. “This monument project will affirm our city’s pledge to honor the diverse pathways that form the mosaic of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the monument project possesses significant community backing, it also faces challenges frequently encountered by public heritage initiatives. Ensuring sustained financial contributions will be paramount to realizing the vision ViVa has laid out. Additionally, ongoing community engagement is crucial to fostering a space where history and present-day inclusion are harmoniously threaded.
Despite these hurdles, ViVa remains optimistic about a promising future. With the architectural plans nearly finalized, projections place the monument’s completion within a year, promising a new chapter for the site that pays homage to its historical roots with contemporary resonance, invigorating both memory and action.
Connecting to Broader Regional Contexts
This monument initiative intersects with other local efforts highlighting historical justice and equitable recognition. Valley residents have increasingly recognized the importance of preserving sites across South Texas that tell narratives of marginalized communities. It stands as a testament to a broader movement within the Valley, reflecting how local actions can ripple into significant social change.
Success stories similar to this venture set templates for policy consideration and dialogue around the nation’s historical sites needing preservation and acknowledgment. Locally, the tangible presence of a monument could initiate valuable conversations about the region’s past, fostering a deeper understanding among younger generations.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Community members interested in contributing to the Restlawn Cemetery monument can support the cause financially or by volunteering time to further ViVa’s mission. Additionally, those interested can visit the Village in the Valley website to make donations or learn more about upcoming events related to the project.
As Rio Grande Valley residents continue embracing their multifaceted heritage, initiatives like these provide hope and elucidate a future where all ethnic narratives can coexist visibly and peacefully. Engraving history onto stone serves as a physical and symbolic bridge between the past, present, and future of the Valley community—a collective journey toward recognition, unity, and pride.
