TAMPA, Fla. — On Saturday, work began to restore one of the oldest African-American cemeteries in Tampa. Earlier this month, city council unanimously agreed to purchase Memorial Park Cemetery after it was previously bought by a real estate investor at an auction. 

Memorial Park Cemetery is a sacred space for Norene Copeland Miller. Twelve of her family members are buried there – among them her brother, mother and grandfather, who was a World War II veteran.

Miller's father even built the crosses at her family's plot.

What You Need To Know

  •  The City of Tampa now owns Memorial Park Cemetery, a historic Black cemetery

  •  More than 800 veterans are buried at the cemetery, dating back to World War I and II

  •  On Saturday, volunteers helped to clean the grounds and headstones

  • City officials say it will take multiple cleanup events to tend to the 20 acres and thousands of headstones

Memorial Park Cemetery is a sacred space for Norene Copeland Miller. Twelve of her family members are buried there – among them her brother, mother and grandfather, who was a World War II veteran. Norene's father even built the crosses at her family's plot.

“To do the research, it made me really find out about my history and my ancestry so I can share it with my family," Norene said. "It’s amazing, some of the things.”

Norene has spent the past months pleading with Tampa City Council to save the cemetery. When the original owner died four years ago, the 20 acres became abandoned. In February, it was bought by a real estate investor known for flipping forecloased properties.

As the city now begins to take over ownership, they're working to fix up the grounds. 

“It’s been certainly a journey but it’s been worth every moment, it’s been worth every effort," Norene said. "To see this day come to fruition is great.”

On Saturday morning, volunteers helped with the first cleanup of the cemetery. Multiple organizations like the Tampa Cemetery Society, Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Tampa Firefigthers were involved in the planning.

Tampa Councilman Luis Viera said the effort is even more important on Memorial Day weekend, as more than 800 veterans are buried at the cemetery – the majority of them African-American.

“They are individuals who stood up for our country, often in a time when our country would not stand up for them and for folks like them," Viera said. "They demonstrated the best kinds of aspirational patriotism that someone can have as an American and that’s why it’s something that’s so important.”

Walter Cawein, an Air Force veteran, spent his Saturday morning scrubbing headstones to pay his respects. 

“These are the guys and ladies who have provided our lifestyle we enjoy today," he said.

Cawein said he's glad to see the city taking charge of the historic cemetery.

“Just recognizing and honoring these folks, it’s important," he said. "It’s important for our country to know, it’s important for our citizens to know what’s going on here today.”

Viera said it will take multiple cleanups to tend to the thousands of headstones at Memorial Park. Meanwhile, Norene is glad to see her fellow residents come together to care for a place that's close to her heart.

“Now that we know, we’ve got to be better stewards of our cemetery, of our history," she said. "It’s a lot of people in this cemetery that gave their time, their money, their soul for the city of Tampa. These are people that were born and raised in this city.”

Tuesday, May 30 will mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Black World War Veterans Memorial at Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a commemoration ceremony starting at 11 a.m.