Preserving History: Edith Moore’s Vision for Cemetery Community and Old School
I was pleased to see Scott Broden’s recent article highlighting my friend Edith Moore and her dedication to preserving Black history and the cemetery community. On December 2, 2024, Edith Ann Clark Moore stood at the former African-American Cemetery School, sharing her aspirations to transform the building into a museum and community gathering space.
This historic school, located off Old Nashville Highway in Rutherford County, exclusively educated Black children and was never integrated. It served as a vital community hub before the desegregation of schools. Over the years, the stage at the Cemetery School hosted numerous performances for both students and the wider community.
Edith is collaborating with Vincent Windrow, whose mother attended the Cemetery School, to revitalize this important site. Together, they plan to honor the legacy of the school, which was integral to the education and social life of Black children in the area.
Rep. Mike Sparks and Dr. George Smith speak about the importance of history. Sparks talks about the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ just minutes after the song was sung by the crowd. The hymn was written by John Newton who fought tirelessly to end slavery in Great Britain. Newton was a former slave ship captain.
Inside the school, old desks engraved by students will be showcased, alongside books that were once used for teaching. These artifacts will help tell the story of the school’s rich history. Additionally, the former furnace that heated the building and the old outhouse used by students remain on the property, further connecting visitors to the past.
Edith’s vision for the Cemetery School is not just to preserve its history, but to create a space for community engagement and education, ensuring that the stories and contributions of Black residents are remembered and celebrated.
Edith Moore Cemetery Community, Photo by Helen Comer/The Daily News Journal
On December 2, 2024, Edith Ann Clark Moore stood at the former African-American Cemetery School, sharing her vision to renovate the building into a museum and community gathering place. This school was historically significant, as it was never integrated and exclusively educated Black children. Edith is passionate about preserving its legacy and creating a space that honors the history and contributions of the community.
Photo by Helen Comer/The Daily News Journal
The historic Cemetery School, located off Old Nashville Highway in Rutherford County, played a vital role in educating Black children before the desegregation of schools. This institution was a cornerstone of the community, providing education during a time of significant racial segregation.
