Juneteenth 2021: Honoring those buried at Jermantown Cemetery

Beneath towering cedar trees not far from the heart of Fairfax, multiple gravestones mark local African American burial sites. Located in Fairfax City on the south side of Route 50, 1/4 mile west of Route 29-211, Jermantown Cemetery was established in 1868 by African Americans when they were denied burial in the nearby Fairfax City Cemetery near the Courthouse. On Saturday, June 19, 2021, local residents gathered to honor Juneteenth and the memory of those buried at Jermantown Cemetery, and to reflect on how learning more about the past helps us better understand where we are today and the possibilities for tomorrow.

Placing red, white, and blue flowers and American flags at each visible gravesite, the members of a local racial reconciliation group prayed silently, thanking each deceased person for their place in our collective history.

One African American gentleman walked by, and seeing the beautification effort and the Juneteenth banner, he nodded in appreciation saying, “thank you”. The group believes each person can make a difference and were grateful this gentleman saw positive action on this special day.

For more information regarding Jermantown Cemetery and those buried there,
see the Fairfax County Cemetery Preservation Association (FCCPA) site at honorfairfaxcemeteries.org.