Artists & Descendants Gather
As part of American Graveyard, we wanted the artists reimagining Cherry Lane Cemetery to meet the descendants of those buried there — to share stories and build connections.
Our research had shown that the Cherry Lane Church once shared a pastor with the Sandy Ground AME Zion Church — making Sandy Ground the perfect place for this gathering.
On this meaningful day, we:
Attended a service at Rossville AME Zion Church, a cornerstone of the Sandy Ground community.
Visited the historic Sandy Ground Cemetery, a powerful example of preservation and community stewardship.
Explored a smaller, unmarked cemetery nearby, offering a rare glimpse into what Cherry Lane likely looked like in its final days.
This day of connection, conversation, and remembrance brought together artists, descendants, and community members — deepening the creative process and ensuring the Cherry Lane story is honored with authenticity and care.
