1,000 signatures reached
To: Delegate Vivian E. Watts, Senator David W. Marsden, and Congressman James Walkinshaw
Petition to Protect and Restore Pleasant Valley Cemetery
1. Immediate restoration of all damaged graves and grounds at no cost to families.
2. A full investigation into how and why this occurred.
3. Installation of protective barriers (bollards, fencing, gates, or landscape buffers) to prevent vehicles from accessing burial sections.
2. A full investigation into how and why this occurred.
3. Installation of protective barriers (bollards, fencing, gates, or landscape buffers) to prevent vehicles from accessing burial sections.
4. Improved security measures, including surveillance cameras and routine monitoring.
5. Transparent communication with families regarding restoration plans and timelines.
6. A public community meeting with management to address concerns and outline next steps.
7. A long-term preservation plan to ensure this never happens again.
Why is this important?
This is important because Pleasant Valley Cemetery, founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights era, represents more than a burial ground it represents dignity, resilience, and the right of Black families to honor their loved ones in a space created when segregation still limited access elsewhere. Driving a vehicle across graves is not just physical damage; it is emotional harm to families and a painful reminder of the long history of Black burial sites being neglected and disrespected. Cemeteries are sacred spaces, and when they are violated, it impacts entire communities. Protecting and restoring this cemetery is about accountability, preservation of history, and ensuring our ancestors are treated with the respect they deserve.