Detroit Memorial Park Turns 100 Years Old
Detroit Memorial Park, Michigan’s first Black-owned cemetery, is celebrating 100 years of service. It’s not only a burial ground but also the state’s oldest African American-owned corporation.
Founded in 1925 by a group of Black funeral directors, the cemetery was created during a time of widespread discrimination. They wanted a space where Black families could bury loved ones with dignity and without prejudice.
“This is an inspiring story of a group of men coming together to solve a challenge,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.
Built to Serve During a Time of Exclusion
For decades, Black families in Michigan had very few burial options. Many cemeteries at the time did not allow Black burials. Detroit Memorial Park offered a respectful and safe alternative.
CEO Wilbur Hughes, grandson of one of the original founders, explained how the cemetery served hundreds of families during the 1960s to 1980s. “They felt they had to come to us,” he said, “and now that’s opened up, they don’t have to—but they still do.”
A Symbol of Black Business Legacy in Michigan
Detroit Memorial Park is part of a proud legacy of Black entrepreneurship in the state. Joining in the celebration was the James H. Cole Home for Funerals, the oldest Black-owned business in Michigan.
That funeral home marked its own 100-year milestone in 2019. “From one Black business to another… you don’t see that very often,” said Antonio Green, vice president of the funeral home. These two century-old institutions have stood side by side through generations.
A Cemetery That Keeps Evolving
To prepare for its centennial celebration, Detroit Memorial Park has been upgrading its facilities. Recent projects included landscaping improvements, infrastructure work, and digital recordkeeping for easier access.
These updates help families and researchers find burial records while also preserving the legacy of the cemetery. “If you do something for the right reasons, you can build something that lasts,” Gilchrist said.
