Yesterday youthful voices rang out as Homeschoolers Honoring Ancestors fanned out across Odd Fellows Cemetery to tackle an important task — cleaning algae and grime from the historic cemetery’s marble and granite headstones. Under the leadership of Elise Beam, the student-volunteers prepared carefully for their work and brought all the tools they needed — specialized cleaning solution, water, gloves, and soft-bristled brushes.

Lane Street Project’s Senior Force stalwarts Castonoble Hooks and Briggs Sherwood greeted the homeschoolers and introduced them to the history and significance of Odd Fellows Cemetery. A fifth grader, two fourth graders, two third graders, and a kindergartener gathered around Ben Mincey‘s grave marker to learn why a fire hydrant was chosen to honor his life.

“I was touched by being able to clean the graves of our honored ancestors. Also because they were black and not treated as kindly. And I wanted to clean as many forgotten graves as I could, because they deserve respect,” said Joshua Beam, age 9.

Joshua’s twin, William Beam, added, “It was fun, and I really enjoyed listening to the history of the grave sites. The people [Mr. Hooks and Mr. Sherwood] were really nice.”

Castonoble Hooks commented, “No group has impressed me more! These children are special. Intelligent, well-mannered, and respectful was obvious from the start. They asked questions and showed an interest in the subject and understanding of why we were here that surpassed many adults who come! I was amazed at the level of empathy they showed to this sacred place.”

From the beginning, Lane Street Project has been a multiracial, multigenerational, multi-faith community collective. Men, women, and children have tended this space, gently coaxing it back to a state that honors its dead. I was thrilled when Elise Beam reached out to ask about volunteer opportunities for her homeschool group and worked with her to identify meaningful tasks that her young charges could safely complete. True to their name, as students finished their work today, they placed a dandelion on each marker. Thanks to Homeschoolers Honoring Ancestors, Odd Fellows’ headstones proudly gleam again.

Photos courtesy of Elise Beam and Castonoble Hooks.