It was very kind for stpaulshistory to suggest our website. I would also refer those interested to the detailed information available at http://www.sciway.net/hist/chicora/gravematters-1.html for the history and nature of African American cemeteries.

I should also mention that the King Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additional information can be found at ttp://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710169/index.htm.

It does a disservice to the African American community to assume that all cemeteries must look alike or can be judged using the same criteria. Rural traditional African American cemeteries -- such as King Cemetery -- are fundamentally different than Euro-American cemeteries.

For example, while Euro-Americans view any cemetery as having a finite number of these burial plots, the traditional African American view is that there is "always room for one more." The point is not owning a plot or limiting those buried, but ensuring that one is buried with one's ancestors -- taking the last journey among friends, relatives, and loved ones. As for the appearance, this may be the result of African Americans having few opportunities to devote time and energy to cleaning cemeteries, although it can be explained just as easily as the culture never participating in the beautification of death that Euro-Americans embraced.

What remains constant, regardless of the "appearance" of the cemetery or whether it meets any particular artificial standard, is that it represents a sacred site. It is where loved ones were buried. It is where those who came before anticipated they would have eternal rest.

Another constant is that under South Carolina law the knowing and willful desecration and damage of a cemetery is a felony (South Carolina Code of Laws Section 16-17-600 et seq). It doesn't matter what the cemetery "looks like," you don't damage it. You respect it and those buried there.

Sassyrebell and others This is an attempt by St. Paul's Preservation Society to educate the public regarding the traditions of old African American cemeteries such as Kings Cemetery. From an article: "A defining characteristic of African American cemeteries is their rural, secluded, even isolated nature. Entirely wooded, they stand as silent sentinels - with the emphasis on silent" These cemeteries were situated on land which the planter wasn't likely to use. They were hidden away in remote spots among trees and underbrush. Graves were marked with plants such as snowdrops, daffodils, trees and shrubs significant to African belief in the living spirit. They were also sometimes marked with wooden markers which in time rotted away and only now can be located by depressions in the soil. They are not in the tradition of white cemeteries which are green spaces with granite markers and plastic flowers. This cemetery is NOT NEGLECTED and not a vacant lot. Also note that the owners of the parcel of land have locked out the descendants who are trying very hard to preserve their heritage. I has not been "let go" For further info please see : www.chicora.org/cemetery_preservation.htm I guarantee a facsinating read.

I understand that this place is history, but if it means so much to these people that are fighting to save it, Why is it over grown and covered with weeds, Do things just start having a meaning when someone else wants it? I'm sorry if it meant alot to me I would at least keep the weeds pulled and take care of this peace of history... I looked like a vacant lot on TV last night, Wheres the caring in letting it go like they have?