Press Release
The Cemetery Sista, led by Dr. Jennifer R. Blanks, is proud to share findings from their dissertation, Centering Cemeteries in Environmental Justice: Observing Community Connectivity in Historic Texas Black Cemeteries, which explored the preservation of African American cemeteries, with a focus on the Pyland African American Cemetery and Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery.
These case studies illustrate how environmental hazards, neglect, and the passage of time threaten these sacred sites, emphasizing the urgent need for cultural resource management and environmental justice to protect them from erasure.
Looking to the future, Dr. Blanks will be pursuing grant opportunities to expand this critical work, and The Cemetery Sista is calling on local communities, cemetery associations, and caretakers to connect for potential collaborations. If you are involved with a cemetery or know of one in need of preservation services, contact the Cemetery Sista to learn how we can help secure funding, apply for historic designations, and maintain these important spaces.
For more information or to inquire about services, please visit thecemeterysista.com, email thecemeterysista@thecemeterysista.com, or call 504-947-5336. Together, we can ensure these sacred sites are preserved for future generations.