Unearthing Legacy: Restoring Zion Cemetery and Celebrating Tampa's Black History

by Jerome Ryans, President & CEO, Tampa Housing Authority

Reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy as we prepare to honor Black History Month, we at the Tampa Housing Authority are deeply committed to upholding the rich history of our community. This year, our actions take on a profound meaning as we continue efforts to reclaim, preserve, and honor the history of Zion Cemetery-a sacred space for Black families in Tampa.

Zion Cemetery was the first African American cemetery in Tampa, established in 1901. Over time, this resting place for many Black residents was forgotten by some but never erased from the memory of those connected to its sacred grounds. In 2022, we learned that part of the Robles Park Village development, built in the 1950s, unknowingly encroached upon this historic site. This revelation shook us, and we immediately took steps to right this wrong.

The Tampa Housing Authority moved swiftly to honor the dignity of those buried there. Families residing in buildings on the cemetery grounds were relocated, and a ceremony was held to acknowledge and respect the individuals interred at Zion. Since then, we have been proud to support the creation of the Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reclaiming the cemetery and ensuring its enduring legacy. During Black History Month, we will join Mayor Jane Castor and other community leaders in unveiling a commemorative marker for Zion Cemetery, symbolizing the collective commitment of the City of Tampa to honor and preserve this vital piece of history.

This is not just a moment in time but part of a broader commitment by the Tampa Housing Authority to elevate and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our region. Our work extends beyond Zion Cemetery. For instance, the preservation of St. James Church-a historic cornerstone for Tampa's Black community-is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding the cultural and spiritual landmarks that define our city's history.

Our partnership with the Tampa Bay History Center to establish Tampa's Black History Museum is another way we're working to ensure that the rich heritage of Black residents is not only preserved but celebrated. This museum will honor the indelible impact of the Black community, particularly in Central Park, which served as a cornerstone of Black entrepreneurship, culture, and especially music. Central Park's legacy of thriving businesses and vibrant cultural expression reminds us of the strength and resilience of our Black community-a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

As we honor the past, we also focus on the present and future. Dr. King's dream of equity and justice calls us to act boldly and with purpose. At the Tampa Housing Authority, we embrace this mission by fostering opportunities for economic growth, education, and homeownership for the families we serve. The lessons of Black history teach us that progress is not achieved in isolation but through the collective efforts of a united community.

The upcoming Black History Month celebrations provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the strides we have made while recommitting ourselves to the work that remains. We stand with the community in ensuring that the story of Zion Cemetery is told, that the voices of those who built Tampa's vibrant Black neighborhoods are amplified, and that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before them.

Let this be a time to celebrate progress and unity, a moment to deepen our resolve to build a better future-one rooted in the values of equity, dignity, and respect. Together, we can continue to honor Black history not just during a designated month but through sustained actions that uplift our community. As we unveil the Zion Cemetery marker and advance efforts like the Black History Museum, let us remember that these initiatives are more than commemorative-they are transformative. They help us build bridges between our past and present, ensuring that the lessons of history guide us toward a more inclusive tomorrow.

We invite you to join us in these efforts. This Black History Month, let us all commit to advancing the dream that Dr. King envisioned and that the history of Zion Cemetery, Central Park, and countless other landmarks reminds us is possible. Together, we build not just housing but a community of hope and promise for all.