While it was interesting to see the tour of Downtown Carlisle and its revitalization efforts, I want to know more about the areas that were glossed over in the tour, such as Penn and Pitt St., etc. Our tour guide Rusty Shunk told the group about the African American burial site and how it had been covered by a playground with the exception of one memorial stone. It slightly bothered me that children are now playing on top of the bodies of dead African Americans. When did this happen? How did this happen? Are the histories of African Americans being (literally) covered up by “growth” and “revitalization?”
-Y.M.W.
This extremely distrubing and very unrespectful. Regardless of race in death there should be a recognition of the life that was lived.
I think it is wonderful that the buriel ground is now a playground/multi-use area. Land is for the living. What is a shame is that we don’t know more about those intered there,or treat this special place with more reverence.
I was raised on West Lincoln Street in the Memorial Park area. When I was a kid, every Memorial Day we had a day of remembrance at the park. We knew that area was always, and still is the home of Carlisle’s African American community.
Maybe some of you’ll that are locals can help me out. My great grand-father Samuel Woods was born in Carlise. I’ve been told I still have family in the area and I was wondering if anyone knew of and “Woods” in the area.?