Burr Oak Cemetery, a 150-acre burial ground in Alsip, Illinois, is one step closer to receiving National Register listing. The Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council recently recommended the designation to the US Park Service, although a federal government shutdown has delayed the process.
Founded in 1927 by executives of Supreme Life Insurance, a Black-owned company, Burr Oak was established in response to racist practices by other Chicago-area cemeteries that refused to bury African Americans. Despite facing opposition from local residents and village leaders, the cemetery was created on land purchased by the insurance company's executives.
Burr Oak is notable not only for its unique history but also for the number of prominent individuals buried there. The cemetery is home to the graves of Emmett Till, Mamie Till Mobley, blues musician Willie Dixon, heavyweight boxing champion Ezzard Charles, and 20 former Negro League baseball players, among others.
The National Register listing could bring new attention to the cemetery's history and significance. "It's a Black-owned and Black-managed cemetery... established in 1927 in the face of adamant white opposition," said Jean Guarino, author of the cemetery's National Register nomination report. "It's the burial place of countless fascinating individuals in the Black community, some of whom were nationally prominent in their respective fields."
While the listing has been recommended, Burr Oak still faces challenges, including flooding, overgrown conditions, and difficulties with signage. The Friends of Burr Oak, a nonprofit group founded by Edward Boone, aims to improve the cemetery and provide better services for families whose loved ones are buried there.
The National Register listing could aid these efforts by bringing new resources to the cemetery. "We hope this recognition will bring in some funding... to improve the cemetery," Boone said. The group plans to use the funds to install signage that recognizes the individuals buried at Burr Oak and provides directions to their gravesites, as well as develop a mobile app to help visitors find their loved ones.
Guarino agreed that the listing would be beneficial for the cemetery, saying, "The cemetery deserves this recognition." With the delay caused by the federal government shutdown, it is unclear when Burr Oak will officially receive its National Register designation.
Founded in 1927 by executives of Supreme Life Insurance, a Black-owned company, Burr Oak was established in response to racist practices by other Chicago-area cemeteries that refused to bury African Americans. Despite facing opposition from local residents and village leaders, the cemetery was created on land purchased by the insurance company's executives.
Burr Oak is notable not only for its unique history but also for the number of prominent individuals buried there. The cemetery is home to the graves of Emmett Till, Mamie Till Mobley, blues musician Willie Dixon, heavyweight boxing champion Ezzard Charles, and 20 former Negro League baseball players, among others.
The National Register listing could bring new attention to the cemetery's history and significance. "It's a Black-owned and Black-managed cemetery... established in 1927 in the face of adamant white opposition," said Jean Guarino, author of the cemetery's National Register nomination report. "It's the burial place of countless fascinating individuals in the Black community, some of whom were nationally prominent in their respective fields."
While the listing has been recommended, Burr Oak still faces challenges, including flooding, overgrown conditions, and difficulties with signage. The Friends of Burr Oak, a nonprofit group founded by Edward Boone, aims to improve the cemetery and provide better services for families whose loved ones are buried there.
The National Register listing could aid these efforts by bringing new resources to the cemetery. "We hope this recognition will bring in some funding... to improve the cemetery," Boone said. The group plans to use the funds to install signage that recognizes the individuals buried at Burr Oak and provides directions to their gravesites, as well as develop a mobile app to help visitors find their loved ones.
Guarino agreed that the listing would be beneficial for the cemetery, saying, "The cemetery deserves this recognition." With the delay caused by the federal government shutdown, it is unclear when Burr Oak will officially receive its National Register designation.
! This is so interesting... I mean, can you believe a Black-owned cemetery in 1927 was created to combat racism? That's wild 
. And the list of famous people buried there? Unreal! Emmett Till, Mamie Till Mobley, Willie Dixon... it's like a who's who of American history 
. The fact that the National Register listing could bring new attention and resources to the cemetery is huge 
. I'm all for preserving history like this, even if it's a little delayed due to government stuff 
.
. It's crazy thinkin' about how much history that place has, from bein' founded by Black-owned execs who wanted a safe space for their community members, to bein' the final resting spot of so many legendary figures like Emmett Till and Willie Dixon 
. It's like, you gotta respect that. Now, I know some folks might think it's about time, but others might say it's a bit late... either way, I'm all for seein' this place get the recognition it deserves 
.
I'm so glad to hear that Burr Oak Cemetery's historic significance is getting the attention it deserves! 
. The fact that it's home to so many famous folks like Emmett Till and Willie Dixon is just amazing. 
they created this space as a refuge for african americans back in 1927, when racism was super strong in chicago... and now we're talking about recognizing their impact on history? that's what i think is so important here - acknowledging the struggles of our ancestors and giving them the respect they deserve 
the fact that burr oak is home to so many famous folks like emmett till and willie dixon is just the cherry on top 
but seriously, it's about preserving history and making sure we don't forget where we come from...
. Like, can't we acknowledge the struggles of our ancestors and give them the respect they deserve? Burr Oak Cemetery's story is wild - a Black-owned cemetery that defied racist practices in 1927? That's some next-level courage right there 
. The National Register listing might just be the wake-up call Burr Oak needs 
. Let's get those funds flowing and give this cemetery the love it deserves 
.
The Friends of Burr Oak are doing such great work trying to restore the cemetery to its former glory, and now with the National Register listing, they're gonna get some serious funding 
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