TAMPA, Fla. — After Black veterans served along-side other Americans during World War I, they encountered another battle on the homefront when they returned — segregation.

What You Need To Know

  • The City of Tampa commemorated 100 years of its Black Veterans Memorial on Tuesday

  • The ceremony was in jeopardy when Memorial Park Cemetery was sold at auction several months ago to a real estate developer

  • Mayor Castor: "Critically important that we remember those individuals that fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today"

  • The cemetery is now under the ownership of the City of Tampa

Many of these fallen soldiers were unrecognized and buried in unmarked graves.

One hundred years ago on May 30, 1923, and five months after the Rosewood Massacre, the Florida Negros World War Veterans Memorial was dedicated to those forgotten service members.

“I wanted to make sure the community here knew that they had 800 black veterans who served and died for this country," said Veterans Counseling Veterans President Ellsworth Williams. “Be proud if you are from East Tampa.” 

Williams says back then, soldiers of color were not recognized.

Memorial Park Cemetery was the first Black cemetery established in Tampa in 1919. The memorial for Black veterans was developed a few years later and funded by organizations like the American Red Cross, Urban League and the American Legion Post Five Auxiliary.

The Gamma Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated started planning for the 100th anniversary of the memorial for Black veterans.

However, Williams says the commemoration ceremony was in jeopardy when Memorial Park Cemetery was sold at auction several months ago to a real estate developer.

The developer eventually sold the cemetery, which the City of Tampa purchased along with the memorial for Black veterans earlier this month.

“That is critically important that we remember those individuals that fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Freedoms that we take for granted,” said Mayor Jane Castor.

Norene Copeland Miller’s grandfather served on the frontlines building infrastructure for soldiers during World War II.

With the Memorial now under the ownership of the City of Tampa, she believes his legacy will be preserved.

“They were on the frontline risking their life,” Norene said. “I want to thank the mayor for doing what she said she would do and make it right.” 

Acknowledging the past and those shaping the future is a step in the right direction, according to Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.

“Our children deserve to learn who is buried in this space. To learn the history,” Henderson said.