My Eagle Project with Historic Woodland Cemetery

My name is David Parker, and I am a Life Scout of Troop 501 in Varina, Virginia. I am working towards the rank of Eagle Scout, and my project is to create eight benches for the historic Woodland Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Woodland Cemetery is a historically African-American cemetery and has several notable figures laid to rest here, including tennis legend Arthur Ashe, formerly enslaved man and minister John Jasper, and several exceptional African-American doctors and dentists. Unfortunately, the cemetery fell into disrepair over the years due to a lack of federal and local funding since it was a cemetery that was privately owned by the families involved with it.

As of 2020, it is owned by Marvin Harris, a local businessman and charity worker. He works to help restore the cemetery to a more comforting resting place for those buried there. His plans for the cemetery include restoring the archway that once stood at its gates, paving the rocky pathways, installing a fountain, and creating a learning center and plaza by the old Chapel building.

The funds will help fund the purchase of materials for the project, the rental of tools, and various supplies such as sandpaper, plastic tarps, gloves, paper, and pencils. The remaining funds will go back to the cemetery and Marvin Harris to help with restoration efforts.

(Left to right) Mom, brother, me.