Danville should honor African-Americans by taking ownership of cemetery
“The City of Danville, rightfully, is considering honoring the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interestingly, Moneta Sleet Jr., whose father was born in Perryville, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his photograph of a grieving Coretta Scott King — the first African-American ever awarded that prize.
Over the past several years, Danville and Boyle County have both supported events dealing with African-American history in the city and county, for which we are totally grateful. Much of what we have done could not have been done without the support of Judge-Executive Harold McKinney, the Boyle County Fiscal Court and Danville Mayor Mike Perros and the city commission.
But maybe, after 25 years of fits and starts and nothing serious being accomplished, maybe the City of Danville could honor Dr. King by restoring and maintaining the Meadow Lane African-American Cemetery in west Danville.
Years ago, a city council member noted that it would take many years and many thousands of dollars to find out who owns the Meadow Lane Cemetery. Yet a plat done in 2002 of the area (PVA Office, Plat 1269-B) shows “Unknown Owner” and a 10-foot access easement to the cemetery.
In effect, NO ONE owns the cemetery. And the City of Danville could easily, under eminent domain, take ownership (KRSA, 97.540), IF IT CHOSE TO, and KRSA 381.720, the city can declare abandoned cemeteries to be taken over by the city.”
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Kleppinger, Ben. The Advocate Messenger 17 February 2018.