city council

Lane Street Project: all those in favor?

I watched tonight’s city council meeting live on Vimeo and cheered all the way through.

First, let me give a deep bow and thunderous hand-clap to all — brown, black, white — who spoke in defense of Councilmember Eduardo Herrera-Picasso and the city’s immigrant community. I applaud your brave insistence that the City respectfully address the concerns of all its residents and that your neighbors understand that Wilson belongs to all of us.

And — Council unanimously passed the Vick Cemetery proposal. The resulting first order of business is the ground-penetrating radar of the right-of-way we have been demanding for years. Results of that survey will shape our next steps.

I could not get to Wilson this week, so I asked Castonoble Hooks to read brief remarks on my behalf during the public comment period. He followed with his own trenchant remarks (that I accidentally interrupted.) Thank you, Cass.

 

Lane Street Project: the 19 March 2026 council meeting agenda; or, at last, a recommendation.

Finally, item 13 on the 19 March 2026 Wilson City Council Agenda:

These supporting materials have been presented to council members for review and are available online.

The Agenda Item Cover Sheet, subject line “Vick Cemetery Plan,” summarizes Item 13 and sets forth City Manager Rodger Lentz’s recommendation.

This document sets forth the Vick Cemetery Plan in detail. The plan is proposed in three phases by order of urgency, with some additional future actions, and includes a summary of archaeological firm New South Associates’ recommendations.

Council previously approved placement of boundary markers, paid for with state grant money. The next documents suggest placement and appearance.

(Nobody asked me, but as between these three, I’d go with the simplest  — C. I might also pick a different font, maybe Gill Sans or Optima, though the Roman matches the existing pillars at the entrance to the parking lot.)


(There’s something a little off about the larger scale for “Vick” below. A, with same size lettering?)

New South Associates’ proposal and budget for additional ground-penetrating radar at Vick, which include confirmation that the pieces of stone dislodged in December were marble vault fragments associated with a grave in the right-of-way.

I am confident that City Manager Lentz’s recommendations will be adopted, and the City will move forward with alacrity to begin implementation. The results of this round of GPR will dictate the manner in which many of the proposals can be carried out and whether even more action is warranted. Vick Cemetery has suffered more than a century of indifference, neglect, and active harm, and its issues won’t be remediated overnight. However, this recommendation goes a long way toward addressing our oft-repeated demands, and for the first time I am sanguine about the cemetery’s future.

Thanks again to Mayor Carlton Stevens, City Manager Rodger Lentz, Assistant City Managers Bill Bass and Albert Alston, and Councilmember Susan Kellum for righting the City’s ship on this issue. Thank you to Castonoble Hooks, Briggs Sherwood, Dr. Judy Rashid, Lisa Benoy Gamble, Jen Kehrer, Tiyatti Speight, Chris Facey, and all who kept a close eye on Vick over the last few months, documented its condition, or spoke truth to power on its behalf. Thanks also to the Wilson Times for its close and ongoing coverage of Vick Cemetery issues. A robust local press matters!

Thank you, Councilmember Kellum.

A couple of months ago, I went a little off-topic to ask Wilson’s new council members to set new standards for communication with their constituents (and others with vested interests in community affairs). I don’t know if Susan Kellum saw my post, but, one way or another, she heard my cry. Kellum has demonstrated a refreshing and unprecedented willingness to listen to community concerns and made herself available for last week’s meeting even though she had a tight schedule. 

Here’s what I wrote in January: “… 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.” Thank you, Susan Kellum, for championing hard conversations and for keeping the community informed.

Lane Street Project: council talking points, 19 February 2026 edition.

Vick Cemetery’s not on the February 19 Agenda, but that doesn’t stop you from speaking out in the audience comment portion of Thursday’s city council meeting. The impassioned remarks of a few of Lane Street Project’s descendant community and allies snatched the attention of council and the Wilson Times last month. Two weeks later, after a rambunctious discussion, four council members stood ten toes down to restore the public broadcast of the citizens’ comments portion of council meetings. Your voice matters, and now it can be heard by folks who can’t physically attend meetings.

If you’re thinking about speaking tomorrow, here are a few questions you might ask:

  • what is the status of interpretive signage at Vick Cemetery? Has the draft language been approved?
  • when will the plat map of Vick Cemetery be recorded with Register of Deeds?
  • will the damage done to Odd Fellows Cemetery — specifically the removal of soil under the kerbing around the Tate family plot — be repaired?

  • why was the City using heavy equipment to clearcut the north side of Rountree Cemetery?

I was going to add “why hasn’t the Vick Cemetery city project page been updated since 15 October 2025?,” but I double-checked and, lo and behold, there’s been activity. The original October 15 update has been modified slightly, and this has been added (in January? I’m pretty sure February, but I quibble):

Finally:

  • We want ground-penetrating radar of the public right-of-way.

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: 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.

Lane Street Project: city memos re Vick Cemetery, 1994-1995.

These documents concerning the City’s discussion of Vick Cemetery in the half-decade prior to its clearing of the space came to me not via my own public records request, but that of a media outlet. I will publish the memos, with comments, in two parts — the first from 1989-1991, and the second from 1994-1995.

On 2 June 1994, spirited public discussion broke out at a council meeting concerning the cost of Vick Cemetery restoration. This appeared to spark a couple of behind-scenes memoranda.

On 12 July 1994, Deputy City Manager Charles W. Pittman wrote City Manager Edward A. Wyatt to report his discussions with James A. Hill about cleaning up Vick Cemetery. Though Hill indicated he would honor his 1989 proposal, Pittman advised the job would have to be bid out.

The next day, Wyatt wrote the mayor [C. Bruce Rose] and council to advise that the project, done right, would be expensive. “In order to comply with General Statute requirements, extreme care must be taken to improve a cemetery, which will require a lot of careful work to be done. I can assure you that the work will certainly be done in an appropriate manner. It will be administered by Charles Pittman and the Public Works department.” With such firm early avowals, how did things go so terribly wrong?

At the 25 July 1994 meeting, council members resumed the debate. Steve Stancil said he would like to restore the cemetery, but perhaps the City could limit expenditures to $50,000 that year and use unemployed people for manual labor the first year. A.P. Coleman drily responded that “it would have cost the City a lot more money if the City had acknowledged the fact that it owned the cemetery and had maintained it all these years; and that it was a disgrace to not have restored it sooner.”

As we have noted a zillion times, the City’s project description, “Restoration and Improvement S.H. Vick Cemetery Lane St. Wilson, N.C.,” which issued later that year, included these provisions:

  • in Section 4A,  “All existing graves whether marked by a grave marker or not shall be identified and located so as to be able to be re-located after completion of the work. A detailed survey may be needed in order to ensure that graves are marked in the correct location after completion of the work. A drawing showing all graves shall be prepared for future reference. All existing tombstones shall be removed, labeled, and stored until after all work is completed.”
  • and in Section 4E: “All graves identified and located prior to construction shall be re-located and marked. Graves shall be marked in one of two ways: (1) Tombstones removed from graves prior to construction shall be reset at the proper grave locations. (2) Any unmarked graves which were located shall be marked by means of a small metal marker as typically used in cemeteries. A map showing the locations of all graves shall be furnished to the City of Wilson.”

On 3 November 1994, Council voted to award the project to PLT Construction, which began work quickly. However, for reasons yet unexplained, the wheels quickly fell off the original plan.

On 7 April 1995, Charles Pittman sent Ed Wyatt a memo that referred to “much discussion” having “taken place regarding addressing the Vick Cemetery with a central monument versus the individual designated markers.” In the long term, he noted, savings “could be quite [sic] significant when considering the time required to cut grass in an open area versus cutting around individual markers in the cemetery. Cutting around markers requires a lot of manual labor.”

The third paragraph of Pittman’s memo is the gut-punch: “From a public perspective, there has been some concern to the reception of the idea by those who have loved ones buried there.” Thus, contrary to the assertion of current councilmember James Johnson, who was already on council back then, the City was aware that permanently removing individual markers was a touchy proposition. After noting that a public meeting had been set to give family members “a chance to comment on the proposed changes,” Wyatt added, “I have already received one call from Mr. Robbins expressing concern about the graves of four of his family members.”

The public meeting went forward at B.O. Barnes Elementary School on April 24. Public records requests made by multiple parties have yielded no notes, minutes, memos, or other documents showing what occurred at the meeting or for three and a half months after.

Wilson Daily Times, 22 April 1995.

However, on 10 August 1995, Ed Wyatt reached out to Rose and council again. “Staff with other interested persons” — who? — had been working with Joyner’s Memorials on the central monument, “the most feasible way to approach this project.” With a proposed fence (around the cemetery? the monument?) eliminated from the plan, the project would come in at $28,000. “It is the intent not to reset the original monuments allowing maintenance to be held to a minimum.”

On August 18, Wyatt sent a slightly modified version of the same memo.

Councilman Steve Stancil’s acerbic response came four days later. He opposed the central monument, calling it “an unnecessary expense” and questioning “how long this investment would remain intact without destruction.” In his view, cleaning up the cemetery had “fulfilled [the City’s] commitment,” and, with an eye on retaining his council seat, recommended that Wyatt “bring this topic up to Council for another vote after the November election.” Stancil wrapped his memo with finger-wagging: “Ed, it continues to bother me how you seem to justify spending additional money on a project just because the project is ‘in the scope of the budget previously approved.’ I am certain this particular money could be spent on something much more useful for the living.” A brief pencilled scrawl shows that Wyatt passed the memo on to Deputy City Manager Charles Pittman.

Seven days later, the Wilson Daily Times announced the city’s plan to erect a single monument in the middle of Vick Cemetery. “It would help, from a maintenance standpoint, to have one big monument,” City Manager Ed Wyatt said, citing the cost and time required to mow around headstones. Wyatt stated that the City’s public works department would store Vick’s intact headstones. Wyatt also stated that “the general concept of a central monument was first mentioned at a neighborhood meeting.”

We know from the April 7 memo above that this was not true. That memo, drafted two weeks before the “neighborhood meeting” at Barnes school, makes clear that the central monument “concept” had already been discussed at length — and the City knew it was controversial. Nonetheless, folks will try to have you believe that the descendant community, or one or two representative Black people, wholeheartedly endorsed a plan to rip their family members’ headstones out of the ground and replace them with a generic granite obelisk. We rebuke the notion. And where are the headstones???

Lane Street Project: the morning after, rise and keep moving.

The people have spoken. The incumbents are returned. The world keeps spinning.

Don’t let yesterday’s election results be interpreted as a referendum on satisfaction with the way Wilson City Council is handling (or not handling) Vick Cemetery though. 

We demand transparency and accountability. We demand investigations and answers. How many dead lie in the public right-of-way? How do we protect them from further desecration?