KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 26, 2024

Two faculty members and three dedicated students from Kennesaw State University’s (KSU) Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences volunteered their time on February 10th to participate in a cleanup effort at the historic Mt. Sinai Cemetery located on Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Their participation coincides with Black History Month, making their contribution even more meaningful.

The Mt. Sinai Cemetery holds the final resting place of generations of freed slaves and their families who established the Jonesville community on the land now occupied by Dobbins. In 1942, during World War II, the government acquired the land, displacing the residents and leaving the cemetery behind. While sporadic efforts have been made over the years to maintain the site, it faced the risk of fading from historical relevance into obscurity.

Enter the KSU faculty members Dr. Teresa Razcek and Dr. Seneca Vaught, along with students George R. Ampat, Wesley Fogg and William Thompson. Inspired by the rich history and the importance of preserving it, they readily volunteered their time alongside other community members for the cleanup project. Armed with shovels, rakes, and a deep respect for the past, they cleared overgrown vegetation, collected debris, and helped restore a sense of dignity to the sacred grounds.

Dr. Vaught added, “Participating in this project during Black History Month infused it with an added depth of significance. It helped to highlight the indispensable role of preserving our collective history in charting a path toward a better future."

This volunteer effort serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and the dedication of young people to honor the past and pave the way for a more just future. The KSU students’ participation sends a message that the stories of Jonesville and Mt. Sinai will not be forgotten, and the legacy of the freed slaves who built this community will continue to inspire generations to come.

by: James R. Turner