In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historic markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.

We been here.

VICK CEMETERY

8-acre public African-American cemetery est. 1913. Cared for by families with scant city funding. Allowed to decline; closed in 1950s. After denying ownership for decades, city removed headstones and graded land circa 1995; installed single monument. Utility poles placed in 1997. In 2022, ground-penetrating radar disclosed 4224+ graves. Reconsecrated by community 5 August 2023.