Friends of Lebanon Cemetery's walking tours are designed to accommodate interests of all visitors, offering insights into the multifaceted aspects of African-American history and heritage. Guests are invited to tailor their experience, combining elements from all the tours to enrich their understanding of the African-American journey through time. Each tour is a tribute to the enduring spirit and legacy of the African-American community, inviting reflection, respect, and recognition of the profound contributions to York County's fabric.
Each tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past, understand the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans, and honor the memory of those who have paved the way for future generations.
This tour delves into the rich tapestry of York's African-American history, focusing on the lives of prominent figures buried within Lebanon Cemetery. Visitors will hear stories of educators, activists, artists, and community leaders who contributed significantly to the cultural and societal development of the area and beyond. The narrative highlights the resilience and achievements of individuals who, despite facing systemic barriers, left indelible marks on their communities. This tour not only commemorates their achievements but also educates on the social and historical contexts in which these figures lived.
Dedicated to the brave African-American veterans interred at Lebanon Cemetery, the Military Tour is a homage to the soldiers who served with valor from the Civil War through the Vietnam War. A special focus is placed on members of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), who fought for freedom and justice during the Civil War, highlighting their courage and the challenges they faced both on and off the battlefield. As the tour progresses, visitors will learn about the African-American military experience in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of these heroes to the nation's history. This tour offers a plaintive reminder of the cost of liberty and the ongoing quest for equality and justice.
The "Paved Over Prominence Project"™ walking tour embarks on a journey through the annals of York City African American history, exploring sites that once thrummed with life, culture, and spirit but have since been abandoned, demolished, or obscured by the relentless march of progress. This expedition traverses a variety of locales, from vibrant neighborhoods and sacred places of worship to bustling workplaces and former businesses, each with its own story of resilience, community, and struggle against the backdrop of a society that often sought to marginalize them.
This tour not only commemorates these lost sites but also serves as a call to action to recognize, preserve, and honor the contributions of these individuals to York's history. Through this journey, we seek to uncover and celebrate the enduring spirit and achievements of York's African American communities, despite the physical disappearance of their landmarks.
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