“Dignity in Rest” documentary tells the story of historic South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. Chartered in 1886 by five formerly enslaved African Americans, South-View Cemetery was built to provide a dignified place for burial.
Urban Mediamakers is delighted to announce the upcoming documentary series, “Dignity in Rest” – South-View Cemetery and the African American Experience. Produced and directed by Atlanta native, Cheryle Renee Moses, “Dignity in Rest” tells the story of the historical significance and the notable individuals interred there, while providing a window into the African American experience in Atlanta, Georgia from 1886 to present day.
South-View Cemetery has a rich history rooted in the post-Civil War era and the Reconstruction period. It was established in 1886 by a group of courageous, formerly enslaved African American businessmen who sought a dignified resting place for their loved ones. The founders, including Jacob McKinley, George W. Graham, Robert Grant, Charles H. Morgan, John Render, and Albert Watts, petitioned the State of Georgia for a charter, which was granted in April of the same year in Atlanta, Georgia.
South-View Cemetery holds the distinction of being the oldest African American non-profit corporation in the United States. It serves as the final resting place for over 80,000 African Americans, including individuals who have made significant contributions to American history, the struggle for freedom, and the pursuit of equity and justice. Among the notable African American figures at South-View Cemetery are scholars, business owners, pastors, professors, military heroes, musicians, athletes, politicians, and civil rights activists.
From Dr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Benjamin Mays, two influential figures in the civil rights movement, were initially laid to rest at South-View Cemetery before being moved to their respective final resting places—the Martin Luther King Center and Morehouse College. Ludie Clay Andrews, is a history-making resident of South-View Cemetery, and was the first African American registered nurse in Georgia. Grace Towns Hamilton is a prestigious person interred at South-View Cemetery and was the first African American woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly. She was known by her peers as “the most effective woman legislator the state has ever had.”
Another notable individual buried at South-View Cemetery is Lt. Henry O. Flipper, the first African American to graduate from the West Point Military Academy and a renowned “Buffalo Soldier.” He was buried at South View in 1940 until his full military honors were restored in 1978, after which he was subsequently moved to a military cemetery near his home in Thomasville, Georgia.
With its historical significance and the notable individuals interred there, the story of South-View Cemetery provides an important window into the continuous African American experience in Atlanta and the country. “Dignity in Rest” is a powerful docuseries of African American resilience, ingenuity, community building, and the pursuit of respect in the face of ongoing adversity. This story must be told,” says Moses.
Make a donation to our fundraising campaign today – https://dignityinrest.com/donate/.
The filmmaker has planned to be a resident of South-View Cemetery where members of her extended family are interred and is working closely with management on the project. Additionally,10% of the project’s profits will be donated to South-View Cemetery Foundation.
The “Dignity in Rest” production team will be hosting a “South-View Legacy Reunion: Celebrating Generations” for Mother’s Day, May 10 and 11, 2024, and for Father’s Day, June 15, 2024, at the cemetery. During the reunion, relatives of South-View Cemetery will have an opportunity to talk to the producers about their loved ones residing at the cemetery. Register free for our upcoming events at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dignity-in-rest-south-view-cemetery-documentary-83465516233.
For more information, contact Cheryle Renee Moses at cmoses@dignityinrest.com.
