Imagine a time when burying loved ones with dignity was a denied right. Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens stands as a testament to change. It reminds us of a past where African Americans faced immense discrimination. Today, we walk these grounds. We reflect on the journey toward equality.
Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens began in 1902. It was a pioneering cemetery. It offered burial rights to African Americans without segregation. This was a first in the Chicago region. Before Mount Glenwood, African Americans were often forced to bury their dead under assumed names. They were denied the respect afforded to others.
Mr. Patton saw the need for equality. He joined forces with Dr. E.S. Miller, J.L. Parks, R.M. Leach, Jackson Gordon and L.W. Dickerson. Together, they shaped Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens. An article from The Chicago Defender highlights the motivation. A washerwoman lamented paying twice as much for a grave. Mr. Patton wanted to give everyone the same chance.
Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens became a symbol of progress after the Civil War. It was the first cemetery in the Chicago area to welcome African Americans. Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, saw special trains arriving here. In 1910, The Chicago Defender described the scene. Three hundred people journeyed to Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens. The cemetery was beautifully framed by the surrounding forest. Trains passed by adding to the atmosphere like a scene on a stage.
A train stop once existed right here at Mount Glenwood Cemetery. Weekend trains ran from Dearborn Station. They also stopped at 47th and Wallace, and Englewood station. Families traveled from across the country. They came to honor their deceased loved ones. Picnics were a regular weekend occurrence. The train station was located at the rear of the cemetery.
Many notable black Chicagoans rest in Mount Glenwood. Fred Duke Slater is buried here. He was Illinois’ first African-American circuit court judge. He was also the first African American inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Marshall “Major” Taylor is also interred here. He was considered the world’s fastest cyclist in the 1890s.
Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam, is buried here. He died in 1975. He was buried alongside his wife Clara. Muhammad was a controversial figure. He advocated for black separatism. He mentored Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan and Muhammad Ali.
Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens serves as a reminder. It recalls a time of injustice. It also demonstrates the power of change. It is a place of rest. It honors those who fought for equality. It provides a space for reflection. It is a place where dignity was finally granted to all. Today, Mount Glenwood stands as a historic landmark. It symbolizes hope and respect for all, regardless of race.