September 28th 2025.
Nestled in Prince George's County, Maryland, there is a quiet and serene wooded area that holds a forgotten past. Within the depths of this forest, rows of cinder blocks stand as silent guardians, protecting a cemetery that holds the remains of hundreds of young Black boys. These boys were once held at the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, a juvenile detention facility with a dark reputation for neglect and abuse.
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, these boys tragically lost their lives during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Until now, their final resting place has remained undiscovered by the general public. However, efforts are now underway to reclaim this sacred ground and honor the lives of those who were laid to rest there.
This important mission has been taken up by Maryland lawmakers, many of whom are part of the Legislative Black Caucus. They were struck by the stark contrast between the state of this cemetery and the nearby veterans cemetery, which is meticulously maintained. This stark difference has prompted them to call for new efforts to restore this cemetery and show proper respect to those who rest there.
State Senator Michael Jackson, speaking to WTOP, emphasized the need to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, stating, "There is no reason to disrespect anyone. We have a lot of work to do, folks." The members of the Legislative Black Caucus are also working on new legislation that would provide funding for the restoration efforts. In fact, the state's Department of Juvenile Services has already applied for a $31,000 grant to the African American Heritage Preservation Program, which would oversee the restoration of the cemetery.
In addition to revitalizing the cemetery, the lawmakers are also determined to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these young boys. Marc Schindler, the department's chief of staff, has described the conditions at the House of Reformation as "scandalous." He has worked closely with a genealogist to conduct research and uncover the gravesites, shedding light on the facility's dark history.
Schindler expressed his sorrow and outrage, saying, "It's hard to find the words to describe how sad and outrageous it is. But we just don't know how many more are here." The treatment of these Black children at the House of Reformation was also vastly different from that of their white counterparts, a fact that has sparked a sense of community pride among lawmakers across Maryland. They are determined to redeem this cemetery and other forgotten cemeteries within the state.
Del. Gary Simmons added, "We have a tremendous amount of neglected cemeteries here in the state of Maryland. We have all kinds of different methods that we generate funds for the state. This is about community pride. We'll get it done." If the grant is approved, it will pave the way for more funding to be allocated toward the recovery of cemeteries on a statewide level.
David Turner, the Maryland governor's communications director, eloquently summarized the importance of this project, stating, "Our history is our power and everyone shares responsibility in preserving and uplifting the countless stories of our state that have often gone unrecognized and unheralded. We look forward to working with the General Assembly, our state agencies, local leaders, and community advocates on this project."
This is not just about preserving a piece of land, but about honoring the lives of those who were once forgotten and neglected. It is a call to action to recognize and preserve the stories of Black Americans and their contributions to our history. Let us all join together in this important mission and ensure that these forgotten cemeteries are given the respect and recognition they deserve.
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