Zion Cemetery Historical Marker to Honor Tampa’s African American History
TAMPA, Fla. (Feb 25, 2025) — A long-overlooked chapter of Tampa’s history is being reclaimed. The Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society invites the community and media to witness the dedication of the Zion Cemetery Historical Marker, a powerful symbol of remembrance and justice for Tampa’s first African American burial ground.
The marker will be dedicated by Mayor Jane Castor on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at 3515 N. Florida Ave. This milestone event underscores the city’s commitment to honoring the lives of those buried at Zion Cemetery and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers and Florida Representative Fentrice Driskell will discuss the historical significance of Zion Cemetery and the importance of the ongoing efforts to ensure its preservation. The dedication is a pivotal step in restoring dignity to the Black families laid to rest at the site, many of whom helped shape Tampa’s history. As part of Black History Month, the event serves as a reminder that reclaiming these stories is not only about honoring the past but also about recognizing their lasting contributions to the city’s legacy.
“The Historic Zion Cemetery marker unveiling ceremony is proof that while our history may be minimized by some people, it will rise from the earth for those who persevere. The discovery and celebration of our ancestors buried here reminds us that, as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ‘The time is always right to do what is right,’” states Fred Hearns, President of the Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society, Inc.
About Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society
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The Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society is dedicated to the protection, recognition, and restoration of Zion Cemetery, Tampa's first African American burial ground. The 501(c) organization seeks to ensure that the history and memory of those buried at Zion Cemetery are preserved for future generations through advocacy, community partnerships, and research. Learn more: https://www.tampaha.org/zion.