Located in the heart of Buckhead, an upscale enclave in Atlanta, Piney Grove Cemetery stands as a historic Black cemetery on a 1-acre plot that has been nearly lost but never forgotten. Descendants of those buried there have filed a lawsuit against the homeowners association that owns the property, alleging neglect that has allowed nature to overtake the site.
Established in the 1800s, Piney Grove Cemetery holds the remains of over 300 individuals, including some believed to have been enslaved. Once part of a thriving African American community, the cemetery now sits adjacent to The Bluffs at Lenox Homeowners Association, a luxury townhome complex.
Efforts to maintain the cemetery have been led by descendants like Audrey Collins and her sister Rhonda Jackson, who have faced challenges in accessing and preserving the site. Despite their attempts to clean the cemetery with limited support, legal action became necessary to compel the HOA to fulfill its maintenance obligations.
The lawsuit contends that the responsibility for maintaining the cemetery lies with the HOA, which acquired the land in 2002. The plaintiffs argue that promises made by a developer to maintain the cemetery were not upheld, leading to its current state of disrepair.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Piney Grove Cemetery remains uncertain. The case represents more than just a property dispute; it symbolizes a connection to African American heritage and the communities that once thrived in the area.
For Collins, the fight to preserve the cemetery is personal. She sees it as a promise to her ancestors to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. Despite the challenges posed by the overgrown vegetation and legal complexities, the descendants remain steadfast in their commitment to honoring the memory of those laid to rest at Piney Grove.
