Group Fights To Protect Historically Black Cemetery

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- A historically black cemetery located at the corner of a busy Johns Creek intersection has come into the spotlight because of a structure that could soon be situated near the property.

A billboard company has petitioned the Georgia Department of Transportation to construct an 80-foot tall by 48-foot wide LED billboard near the Macedonia African Methodist Church Cemetery, which is located at the corner of S.R 141/Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road.

The proposal, along with other billboards popping up around the city, has propelled a group of residents to come together and form Preserve Johns Creek.

John Bradberry, a member of the organization, argues that the location of the billboard is within the 500-foot setback the state has implemented to protect properties such as cemeteries.

“At a minimum, this is a burial site of historical important that deserves to be respected and appreciated and protected," he added.

According to Bradberry, the cemetery was once a site of active burials, as the latest headstone that's been discovered dates back to 1974. Research conducted on the site shows it's connected with events such as the tragic Trail of Tears and the emancipation of black slaves in the United States.

He also said the cemetery gained county-wide recognition of its importance, as current and former county commissioners worked to preserve the two acres from development.

Bradberry alleges that when it became a city, Johns Creek "did not take legal title of the property," forcing the cemetery to become a "dumping site."

That's not entirely true, the city of Johns Creek stipulates. Assistant City Manager Justin Kirouac notes GDOT's approval process requires measuring the distance between any billboard and, in this case, cemetery properties.

Those officials did the measurement, and concluded there was enough distance between the site and the proposed structure.

Kirouac notes the city has reached out to members of Preserve Johns Creek and at this point, has determined that rehabbing the cemetery "has been a worthy goal to pursue."

The previous city administration took the position that beautifying the cemetery was Fulton County's position. However, Johns Creek wants a more proactive approach to the situation, the assistant city manager said.

City spokesperson Jeff Breslau added Johns Creek has not cleaned up or refurbished any other cemeteries in the city, as they are private properties.

However, Johns Creek is looking to identify outside organizations it could partner with in an effort to improve the look the property.

"Recognizing the status of it, the city is making a good faith effort to clean it up," Breslau said.

Bradberry added he hopes to see the city make good on its plans. He also said he and his organization has reached out to other groups, but some of those entities just don't have the manpower and resources to get the job done.

“Johns Creek needs to develop its identity and sense of place, and historical treasures like this cemetery go a long way in connecting to our roots," he added.

Images via Preserve Johns Creek