I don’t know that it’s possible to know exactly how many made the journey, but Philadelphia was a landing spot for hundreds of African-Americans who migrated from Wilson County, including my grandmother. On a quick recent trip to the area, I sought out Historic Eden Cemetery, listed as final resting place on several Pennsylvania death certificates for Wilson County natives. To my surprise, my route took me right past Mount Lawn Cemetery, which also holds burials of Wilson County migrants.
We honor our kinfolk, their lives, their struggles and triumphs. Rest in peace.
Photos by Lisa Y. Henderson, November 2025.