Considered by many to be the institution at the center of the African American experience, the Black Church created leadership opportunities, gave rise to educational institutions, was at the forefront of the fight for Black civil and human rights in the United States, and served as a refuge from the scourge of anti-Black violence, oppression, and local and national injustices. This event will focus on the importance of preserving Atlanta’s historic Black churches and sacred burial grounds—today, often located within upper-middle-class and/or wealthy White communities. Speakers will also talk about the benefits and challenges of saving these iconic spaces. 

Guest Speaker(s):

• Leslie Canaan, Senior Manager, Preserving Black Churches | African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

• Elizabeth Clappin, Urban Planner III, Office of Design, City of Atlanta 

Panelists:

• Elon Butts Osby, Mount Olive Cemetery (Bagley Park)

• Reverend Jamese Beauford, Antioch East Baptist Church

• Mary Howard, First Existentialist Congregation and BiRacial History Project

• Leroy Durden, Jr, Mayson Chapel Baptist Church

• Natasha Washington, Historic Black Cemeteries of Georgia

• Kim Oliver, Cobb-Bethel AME Church