WSMV Channel 4 Nashville cemetery resting place for many influential leaders

Nashville cemetery resting place for many influential leaders

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Reported by Jonathan Martin - email
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

As we celebrate Black History Month, we highlight a Nashville landmark that is the final resting place for many influential black leaders.

Greenwood Cemetery off Elm Hill Pike was one of Nashville's first black cemeteries.

Today, there are more than 39,000 people buried here, including prominent doctors like D.B. Todd and Matthew Walker, as well as DeFord Bailey, the first black star of the Grand Ole Opry.

The Rev. Preston Taylor founded the cemetery in 1888 so African Americans would have an affordable, first-class burial space.

"It was a matter of respect, a matter of dignity. A matter of showing that we are significant, and we are people, and we have a right to have a decent place to be buried," said Dr. Norman Reed, with the Greenwood Cemetery.

Former Fisk University President Charles Johnson and former State Senator Avon Williams are also buried in the cemetery.

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