Photos by Molly Dannenmaier

Rosewood Cemetery, Galveston’s first burial ground designated exclusively for African Americans, founded in 1911, was formally recognized and dedicated in a ceremony on Saturday, six months after the cemetery was donated to Galveston Historical Foundation by developers Judy and John Saracco.

“It is so gratifying to be able to claim this important piece of our heritage and to honor those who are buried there,” said Alice Gatson, chair of Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee.

The dedication ceremony included a blessing of the cemetery by a representative group of clergy from the Galveston Ministerial Alliance, a performance by the youth choir of Avenue L Baptist Church, and the unveiling of a new cemetery entrance marker by Dwayne Jones, executive director of Galveston Historical Foundation and Raymond Lewis, president.

Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Danny Weber also participated in the ceremony.