DUBLIN, Ga. — Another change is coming soon to Dublin's Cross the Creek Cemetery to help more people learn about the city's African American history.
Two years ago, 13WMAZ told the story of the buried slaves there. But today, there have been improvements — and changes — that they hope better reflect that history.
Dublin City Manager Josh Powell said they're getting quotes to update a plaque in the cemetery with the names of 50 slaves they know are buried there.
Bernard Thomas said he comes to the cemetery often and thinks that would be a great idea.
"It's not about prejudice. It's not about racism. It's just about building and growing from what you came from," Thomas said.
He said it's important for people to come to see those names so the next generation doesn't forget that aspect of Dublin's history.
"A lot of people know, but it's the younger generation that we're trying to embrace and we're trying to let them know the history," Thomas said.
He said he's seen the plaque get updated over time with more information about the cemetery. The city also added benches and tables to invite people to sit for a while.
Jerry Davis said it's created a calming environment.
"So peaceful, just being out here," he said.
Davis is a former City Council member. In 2015, the City of Dublin, Laurens County, several churches and the Laurens County Historical Society worked to restore the cemetery.
"It was overgrown. You couldn't, couldn't hardly recognize any of the graves," Davis said.
Davis works for Dublin's Empower Community Newsletter which publishes bi-monthly. The current edition named all 50 slaves buried at the cemetery, which they hope will help people connect with their ancestors resting there.
"A lot of them [are] really interested in coming to see, well, see if I got a relative up on the board," Davis said.
He said he's excited about the updated plaque, which might draw even more people out to the cemetery to learn about Dublin's past history. The City of Dublin said they're looking forward to updating the plaque soon, but they don't have a date set for it yet.
To see 13WMAZ's previous reporting on the Cross the Creek cemetery, visit this link.