I am always saddened and angered when I hear of cemetery vandalism.   In a perfect world, burial grounds would be respected.  Inevitably, that is not always the case, especially with many of our older cemeteries.  In Smyrna, there is an African-American Cemetery tucked into a corner of land between a subdivison, an apartment complex and Sam Ridley Parkway.  Most folks in the area are probably unaware of its existence. 

In 1905, the three acres of land that comprise the cemetery were sold to the Colored Mutual Aid Society of Smyrna by John  and Linnie Jones Tucker.  Due to issues of vandalism the cemetery is suffering and  a revitalization effort is currently being planned that would enable easier access to the cemetery as well as provide for its continuing care and upkeep.  A clean-up is being organized  for March 28th.  If you are local, consider going out and lending a hand.  It is a worthy effort to help preserve part of Smyrna’s history.  More information is available here.