Michigan’s First Black-Owned Cemetery Celebrates 100 Years, Continues to Serve Community

June 30, 2025

Detroit Memorial Park cemetery in Warren, Michigan, is celebrating its centennial anniversary as the state's first Black-owned cemetery and oldest African American corporation. Founded in 1925 by a group of African American funeral directors seeking to establish a burial ground free from racial discrimination, the cemetery continues to serve the community as a historical and cultural landmark. CEO Wilbur Hughes, grandson of an original investor, notes that despite desegregation allowing Black people more burial options, many still choose Detroit Memorial Park.

Who is affected

African American communities in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit area
Families of those buried at Detroit Memorial Park
Researchers accessing the digitized records
The Detroit Memorial Park organization and its leadership
James H. Cole Home for Funerals (mentioned as another 100-year-old Black-owned business)

What action is being taken

Detroit Memorial Park is celebrating its 100-year anniversary
The cemetery is undergoing beautification and infrastructure enhancements
The organization is digitizing records to improve accessibility for families and researchers
A centennial celebration was held Saturday night in Pontiac

Why it matters

Detroit Memorial Park represents a significant historical achievement as Michigan's first Black-owned cemetery and oldest African American corporation
The cemetery was created to provide burial services free from racial discrimination
It stands as a cultural and historical landmark in Michigan
The cemetery's 100-year existence demonstrates the lasting impact of Black entrepreneurship
The digitization of records helps preserve the legacy and history of those interred there

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint