Nonprofit pushes to protect historic Black cemetery near massive data center project in Henry County
A nonprofit, Honor Thy Roots, is raising concerns about the preservation of a historic Black cemetery located near the massive Hampton Technology Park data center project in Henry County, Georgia. The group worries about potential construction encroachment on unmarked graves and is advocating for proper identification and protection of the cemetery boundaries with local officials and Georgia Power.
The nonprofit organization Honor Thy Roots has expressed significant concerns regarding the O’Neal AME Church cemetery, a historic Black burial site in Hampton, Henry County, Georgia. The cemetery, which contains graves dating back to 1864, is situated near the ongoing Hampton Technology Park development, a 600-acre project planned for five data center buildings.
Shawndrea Gay, founder, and Efaye Lloyd, co-founder of Honor Thy Roots, highlighted that the cemetery has never been formally mapped or scanned, leading to fears that construction activities may have already encroached on unmarked graves. They presented their concerns at a recent Hampton City Council meeting, which was ultimately canceled due to a lack of quorum, but vowed to continue their advocacy efforts to ensure the cemetery's boundaries are properly identified and protected.
Hampton City Manager Alex Cohilas confirmed that Georgia Power is constructing a new transfer station on property immediately behind the cemetery. He stated that Georgia Power is willing to build a permanent barrier and create an access point to the cemetery. Cohilas also indicated the city's willingness to collaborate with preservation advocates, despite the cemetery being on private land, to safeguard the historic site. Honor Thy Roots is also raising funds to purchase new grave monuments.