Politics

Lane Street Project: a point of privilege.

I’m taking a point of privilege to appeal to Wilson’s new council members to set new standards for communication with their constituents (and others with vested interests in community affairs).

Lord knows the town in which I vote has some serious problems. But many of us are heartened by the examples new council members have set for information-sharing and responsiveness. Two in particular, Ward A’s Eric Friedly and Ward B’s Shean Atkins, maintain robust social media accounts at which they post PSAs, share news about their community interactions and otherwise update residents about projects, issues, and opportunities. (These accounts are separate from their personal Facebook pages.) This kind of open communication is refreshing. And easy.

Sure, we can search the City’s webpage for the rare update. However, a timely post from a council member, especially about issues directly concerning the people who put them in office, is both efficient and effective and allows for comments and quick feedback from community members. No one is expecting council to spill state secrets on Facebook, but the dense fog that shrouds Wilson’s workings needs to dissipate, and these kinds of posts are absolute sunshine.

Lane Street Project: day 4, and we continue to await an explanation, an update, a plan.

Imagine you were a city council member in a certain mid-size eastern North Carolina city. Imagine learning one morning that in your district, a quarter-mile from your own front door, city-contracted excavators had scraped the ditch alongside two historic cemeteries, exposing and damaging headstones and concrete kerbing.

What would your public response be?

Tell me you would have one.

The city placed cones around the damaged marker late Friday morning. But look left. Is that another?

No? Neither you nor any of the other six council members, nor the city manager, nor the assistant city manager put in charge of the project?

No.

Photo courtesy of C. Facey.

Lane Street Project: yesterday, the City found a grave marker in the ditch bank at Vick Cemetery.

Yesterday morning, city contractors scraping the ditch bank alongside Vick Cemetery uncovered — and broke — a marble grave marker.

This terrible development is shocking, but hardly surprising. We’ve been screaming to anyone who will listen that there are graves in the public right-of-way.

First, the Wilson Times‘ coverage (which includes my inarticulate comments — I was so wound up). Then my less temperate thoughts about what is happening.

——

Tuesday afternoon, I got a text:

Was the City working on the drainage issue? Last I heard, they were just exploring a plan. Nobody seemed to know.

Then yesterday morning, I got a call from Mayor Carlton Stevens — thank you! — who explained what had happened and assured me that work had stopped until further guidance from New South Associates. I asked for photos of the broken stone, and he obliged by returning to the site to show me via FaceTime.

Let me back up for a moment.

On 2 September 2025, I sent a letter to mayor, city manager, and council that requested, among other things:

On 25 September 2025, I posted the City’s newly revealed plans for spending the $50,000 allotted by the General Assembly for capital expenditures at Vick Cemetery. The City’s bullet point is in blue. My response (which largely tracks my communication to mayor and council) is in red. In black, further commentary.

In summary: (1) please don’t — yet again — rely solely on tools from the public works box to address the erosion problems and (2) WE NEED TO SURVEY THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.

I have no idea what the plan was when work started on Bishop L.N. Forbes Street Tuesday. But I know what it was not — either of the above. Apparently, contractors were “flattening the surface … in advance of stormwater work,” i.e. scraping the ditch bank not only alongside Vick Cemetery, but Odd Fellows as well. The discovery of a marble slab tilting out of the soil stopped the work, but what about this?

This is the ditch alongside Odd Fellows, and that is the broken end of the low concrete wall that once enclosed the Tate and Dawson family plots. It was exposed by the “flattening” that someone decided was a great way to stop the encroachment into and undercutting of the edge of these cemeteries by open drainage ditches.

Here, in 2025, the City of Wilson’s hubris is leading it to make the same mistakes that resulted in the removal of headstones and grading and resurfacing of Vick Cemetery circa 1995; the paving over of graves to create a parking pad in the late 1990s; the installation of power poles in Vick and Rountree Cemeteries in 1997; the destruction of headstones in City storage in the early 2000s; and the alleged damage to graves in Odd Fellows by heavy equipment while repairing a high-voltage line, also in the early 2000s (I haven’t even talked about that.)

Where does it stop? When will they listen?

There’s a City Council meeting tonight, folks. The three new council members will be installed and a mayor pro tem will be elected. After the reports, there will be a call for audience comments. I can’t be there, but I hope you can. Ask them what fresh hell they are putting our ancestors through. Tell them how you feel about the continued rough handling of our people’s graves. If these are not your people, speak out anyway. Practice radical empathy. Express your outrage. Demand better.

The establishment of Oakdale Cemetery, 1892-1896.

Wilson County Public Library’s local history room holds volumes of transcribed minutes of meetings of Wilson’s late nineteenth-century board of town commissioners. The fits and starts of the town’s initial efforts to establish a public cemetery for African-Americans can be found in these pages.

On 1 August 1892, “Chas. Battle and Danl. Vick were appointed a committee to see where and at what price they could buy a suitable piece of land for a Colored Cemetery and report at the next meeting of the Board.”

On 5 September 1892, “Chas. Battle and Danl. Vick, the committee on the Colored Cemetery made their report, recommending two places. It was moved and carried that a committee of three be appointed to examine the said places and recommend a purchase. D. Herring, W.T. Sanders and Dr. A. Anderson were appointed as said committee.”

Four months later, on 2 January 1893, “The Committee on the Colored Cemetery recommended the purchase of the Peacock land, to the extent of about six acres. It was moved and unanimously carried that the Committee be authorized to make the purchase.” This land was not purchased, and another year passed.

On 23 February 1894, “It was moved and carried that Dr. Anderson and E.N. Mercer be appointed a committee on the Colored Cemetery, with instructions to have the same completed as early as possible.”

Four months later, on 26 July 1894, yet another committee: “It was moved and carried that the Mayor appoint a Committee to look into the matter of securing a Cemetery for the Colored Citizens of the Town.”

A year later, on 28 June 1895: “The matter of a Colored Cemetery was discussed and on motion, the Mayor, Geo. Hackney, and P.B. Deans were appointed a  committee to cooperate with a Committee on the part of the Colored people, to look after the purchase of a site for said Cemetery, with power to act.”

On 1 August 1895, “The Committee on the Colored Cemetery reported progress and was continued.”

Again, on 29 August 1895, “The Committee on the Colored Cemetery reported progress and it was continued.”

Finally, on 16 September 1895, “The Committee on the Colored Cemetery reported the purchase of a plot of land at a cost of $597.50. The action of the Committee was ratified and it was instructed to make all necessary arrangement for closing of the matter.” [G.W. and Easter Suggs sold John F. Bruton, mayor of the Town of Wilson, an irregularly shaped parcel of land adjoining the lands of Charles Battle, G.W. Suggs, and D.C. Suggs and others and measuring an astonishing 12.2 acres, as well as a strip of land to be “dedicated to the public use as an avenue, street, or road …” Deed book 39, page 132, Wilson County Register of Deeds Office. This is more than one-and-a-half times the size of Vick Cemetery. What happened to it?]

On 26 September 1895, “The matter of a fence around the Colored Cemetery was taken up and an offer for building a wire fence around the same was made by R.J. Taylor as follows: [blank] On motion, the offer was accepted. On motion, the attorney who prepared the deed for G.W. Suggs; the preparing of the deed being a part of the consideration, was allowed.”

On 29 November 1895, “On motion the Colored Cemetery was named Oakdale Cemetery.”

On 26 December 1895, “G.W. Suggs and others came before the Board to protest against an appointment of Keeper of Oakdale Cemetery, made at a previous meeting. On motion, the matter of opening the Street near Oakdale Cemetery was referred to the Street Commissioner and the Chief of Police.” [This, perhaps, was what we know as Cemetery Street.]

On 31 January 1896, “The Committee on the street at Oakdale Cemetery was continued.”

On 26 June 1897,  the Town Ordinance was updated, effective 1 July 1897: “Ordinance VIII. CEMETERIES. Section 1 – That any person making an interment in the Town, other than in Maplewood or Oakdale Cemetery should be subject to a fine of Ten Dollars. Section 2 – That any person injuring or defacing the enclosures around Maplewood or Oakdale Cemetery or the tomb-stones or plucking the flowers or shrubbery therein or in any church yard, should be subject to a find of Five Dollars. Section 3 – That any person riding or driving a horse or vehicle within the cemeteries faster than a walk, should be subject to a fine of Two Dollars. Section 4 – That the use of the Avenues in the Cemeteries as a public thoroughfare is hereby prohibited under the penalty of Two Dollars for each offense. …”

On 30 November 1896, “W.T.H. Woodard was relected [sic] Keeper of Oakdale Cemetery without pay, he having the use of all vacant land in the same.” [Woodard was a Missionary Baptist minister. The keeper of Maplewood, by the way, was paid $20-25 per month.]

This detail from the 1904 topographical map of Wilson Quadrant shows the general area of Oakland Cemetery.

Less than 15 years later, the handwriting was on the wall for Oakland Cemetery:

Wilson Daily Times, 12 December 1911.

A little over a year later, the Town bought 7.84 acres from Samuel H. Vick for a new black cemetery — the one we now know as Vick.

Lane Street Project: the candidates’ positions on Vick Cemetery.

Erosion at Vick Cemetery, October 2025.

On September 26, I submitted a brief statement and set of questions about Vick Cemetery to all eleven candidates for Wilson City Council seats. I emailed the nine candidates for whom I was able to locate email addresses and mailed letters to the other two.

Ninety-foot power pole installed in Vick Cemetery in 1997 by the City of Wilson.

The responses received:

District 3

  • Tom Fyle (incumbent)

No response.

District 5

  • Jane Cookson

No response.

  • Bradley Eagles

No response.

  • Susan Kellum

First and foremost, thank you for your leadership regarding this issue. Your knowledge, perseverance, and commitment is admirable.

Below are my responses to your questions:

  • Proactive engagement with the Vick Cemetery descendant community about matters related to the cemetery’s care.

The descendant community should have an equal voice with other stakeholders because they, more than anyone, know and care about the stories, history, and cultural connection of those buried there. Their input ensures the cemetery is cared for with respect, accuracy, and dignity that honors their ancestors and Wilson’s  heritage.

  • Additional ground-penetrating radar of the public right-of-way, as well as areas of the cemetery not surveyed in 2022, to determine the location of additional graves?

I believe the use of additional ground-penetrating radar is a respectful, responsible way to identify all graves, honor those buried, and ensure the cemetery’s history is preserved with dignity. It’s an investment in truth, healing, and our community’s shared heritage.

  • An independent investigation into the handling of Vick’s headstones and the installation of power poles in the cemetery?

I share the desire for justice, and I fear an investigation at this junction would not truly deliver it. Instead, I would focus our resources on correcting these wrongs as best we can today, ensuring the cemetery and those laid to rest there receive the dignity they were once denied.

District 6

  • Eduardo Picasso-Herrera

Dear Ms. Henderson,

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to preserving the history and dignity of East Wilson’s historic cemeteries, and especially for the important work you lead through the Lane Street Project. As a candidate for City Council, I fully support the restoration of Vick Cemetery and believe we must do everything in our power to honor the lives and legacy of those buried there.

While canvassing, my wife had the opportunity to meet Mr. Castonoble [Hooks], and I had the privilege of meeting him personally after I spoke at a recent City Council meeting. During our conversation, he shared with me his concerns and explained that the city has had $50,000 allocated for Vick Cemetery but has not taken any visible action to use those funds. I told him directly that if the city has those $50,000, then they need to be used immediately. There is no excuse for delay. The community has waited long enough, and it’s time for real, visible progress.

This conversation reinforced why I am running for office. We need change in Wilson. We need leadership that listens to the community and acts on its needs. We can no longer ignore the voices of our residents, especially when they are calling for justice, respect, and accountability.

In response to your specific questions:

Proactive engagement with the Vick Cemetery descendant community

Yes, I fully support ongoing and meaningful engagement with the Vick Cemetery descendant community. These families and community members must be involved in every step of the restoration process. Their insights, history, and lived experiences are essential. As a council member, I will advocate for transparency, regular public updates, and inclusive collaboration with all stakeholders.

Additional ground-penetrating radar (GPR)

Yes, I support expanding the GPR survey to include areas not yet studied, including the public right-of-way and any remaining portions of the cemetery. Every grave deserves to be identified and honored. We cannot move forward without fully understanding the scope of what lies beneath this sacred ground.

An independent investigation into the removal of headstones and installation of power poles

Yes, an independent investigation is necessary. The removal of headstones and the installation of power poles in a cemetery is deeply troubling. We need a full, transparent account of what happened and why, and if there are ways to restore what was lost. This is about accountability and respect, and we owe that to the families of those buried at Vick Cemetery.

Again, thank you for your work and advocacy. I stand with the Lane Street Project and with all those who are fighting to preserve and protect Wilson’s history. Together, we can ensure that our city values and honors every part of its past as we build a better future.

  • Logan Liles (incumbent)

No response.

District 7

  • Will Arrington

I would first like to thank you for reaching out to me in the matter concerning Vick Cemetery. I will keep it short as I know that your time is valuable.

I will start by saying that I in no way agree with the handling or treatment of Vick Cemetery and over the last few decades. It is a resting place for souls long gone as well as part of our city’s history that deserves to be respected and treated as the landmark that it is.
As a citizen and hopeful representative of the city, as well as being an African American male, I feel that it is only right to support the efforts to right these wrongs. Whether it be proactive engagement with the descendants, using ground penetrating technology as well as an independent investigation or whatever methods may be necessary I am in favor of it and will offer my support.
  • Felicia Atkinson

No response.

  • Johnnie Chestnut

Hello. My name is Johnnie E. Chestnut, candidate for Wilson City Council District 7 since 2017-present. I’ve been following this story since 2016 to where we are today. City council meetings, hearings, public opinions, etc., etc.  It’s my understanding that the City of Wilson spokeswoman Rebecca Agner and the Wilson Cemetery Commission with the current City Council members I would like to consider if I can talk with them about the concerns and future plans for Vicks Cemetery other than the $50,000 allocated funds. Alongside Mr. Hooks, he’s been and advocating the erosions, utility poles and the removal of headstones. The difference between Maplewood Cemetery is in more stable condition than East Wilson cemeteries. As we seen, August 2025 with law enforcement and some leaders in the community had conducted an investigation that some human and bone fragments were in the side ditch. With that being said I would like to have a more detailed blueprint on the funding for the future of Vicks Cemetery and where would the funding come from other than the stormwater fund. The Commission Board plans along what Mayor Stevens’ opinion on this as I look forward to talking to you on this. Thank you for reaching out on this sensitive matter and my thoughts on what can be done as we move into 2026.

  • Anika Sanders

Thank you, Ms. Henderson, for your leadership in preserving and telling the story of East Wilson’s history.

The history of Vick Cemetery is not just about the past, it is about how we as a city choose to honor and respect our community today.

When I am elected to City Council, I would support the following:

  • Proactive Engagement with Descendants

I believe the City must actively engage with the families and descendants of those buried at Vick Cemetery before making decisions that affect the site. This includes regular updates, opportunities for public input, and listening sessions to make sure this sacred ground is treated with dignity.

  • Additional Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

I support additional GPR studies of the right-of-way and unsurveyed areas to fully map where graves are located. We cannot restore what we do not fully understand, and this is a necessary step to protect those resting places from future disturbance.

  • Independent Investigation of Past Actions

I believe there should be an independent investigation into the removal and disappearance of headstones, as well as the installation of power poles inside the cemetery boundary. The community deserves transparency and answers about how this happened and what will be done to prevent similar harm in the future.

Vick Cemetery is a cornerstone of Wilson’s African-American history. Any improvements must be done with care, respect, and full participation from the community.

Thank you for this question. I will work to make sure we finish what we started. I too have family who is buried somewhere in Vick Cemetery, this is personal for me.

 I will do everything I can to make sure the city follows through with the plan when I am elected for City Council District 7!

  • Lenwood Ward

[Updated 10/13/2025.] I am very passionate about the preservation of historical sites. Especially, the ones of African American history. I have been part of cleaning up one the cemeteries. I have personally walked the grounds reading the headstones. And I found it very disrespectful and concerning to see headstones broken and overgrown by debris. I have been following the issues of these historical cemeteries in the newspaper over the years. I think it’s disgraceful that the city has treated these historical places of rest, like farm land. I believe the city has a duty to correct this wrong. I believe more radar penetration should be done. Areas of erosion should be fixed. All headstones that can be saved, should be. And any that cannot, should have a memorial or a marker to show. The city should write a letter of apology for this disgraceful wrongdoing to its African American citizens. And to show that it respects all citizens. When I served in the military, I was in charge of Funeral Detail for all fallen soldiers, past and present.  I have always believed in showing the utmost respect. So respecting and the preservation of any fallen, should be shown the respect it deserves. And as a Black American, who has seen and experienced personally unfair treatment, I am and will be a supporter of Wilson’s historical places.

Rev. Foster fights for Black schools.

Journal and Guide (Norfolk, Va.), 1 October 1938.

Rev. Richard A.G. Foster made the most of his few years in Wilson. Among other things, he led the fight for improved school facilities for Black students in town and in the county. With Camillus L. Darden, he successfully mobilized African-American voters to put unresponsive county commissioners out of office. The two new schools they eventually secured were Frederick Douglass High School in Elm City and Samuel H. Vick Elementary School in Wilson.

Black Radicals jailed and tortured.

In 1868, Robert Hilliard Farmer and Haywood White were among 11 “d—d black Radicals” crammed into a tiny jail cell, threatened, given meagre portions of over-salted meat and deprived of water, and viciously beaten because they would not support the Democratic party. White’s cry, under torture, that he had already sworn an oath to support the Constitution and the Union hints that the men may have been members of the Union, or Loyal, League, which formed across the South during Reconstruction to mobilize freedmen to register to vote and to vote Republican. About ten days before this story broke in the Raleigh Standard, Bill Grimes, local president of the League, had been jailed in Wilson for allegedly burning down the house of a white man who had shot a black man named David Ruffin.

New-York Tribune, 19 September 1868.

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  • Robert Hilliard Farmer
  • Haywood White

On 14 September 1869, Haywood White, son of Benj. and Selie White, married Martha Daniel, daughter of Dennis and Exie Daniel, in Wilson County.

In the 1870 census of Saratoga township, Wilson County: farm laborer Haywood White, 26; wife Martha, 17; son Robert, 11 months; and Noah Tyson, 21, farm laborer.

Perhaps, in the 1880 census of Jamesville, Martin County, N.C.: laborer Haywood White, 40; wife Martha, 30; and sons Alexandria, 15, and Elisha, 12.

On 13 April 1910, Haywood White, 60, of Black Creek township, married Luetta Oggins, 40, of Black Creek township, at White’s house.

In the 1910 census of Black Creek township, Wilson County: laborer Haywood White, 65, and wife Rosetta, 37. Haywood reported having been married three times; Rosetta, twice.

Haywood White died 14 March 1914 in Black Creek township, Wilson County. Per his death certificate, he was born 22 November 1840 in South Carolina; was married; and worked as a farmer. B.S. Jordan of Wilson was informant.