MART, Texas — A historic, predominantly African American cemetery in Mart is receiving renewed attention, thanks largely to the dedication of community members determined to preserve its legacy.

Evergreen Cemetery, founded more than a century ago, serves as the final resting place for generations of African American families. Established in 1921 during segregation, the cemetery was created when Black residents were forced to establish burial grounds of their own.

Formerly known as the Colored Cemetery of Mart, Evergreen was the only cemetery accessible to Black residents living in the city’s historically Black neighborhood.

“Well, it was a Black cemetery because it was in the Black part of the city of Mart,” Evergreen Cemetery Board Chair Glory Thomas said. “It’s a very small city, population 2,197, and at that time, it was the only Black cemetery close to the neighborhood.”

The cemetery expanded in 1975 with the addition of a second tract of land. But like many historic cemeteries, Evergreen faced years of neglect, with overgrown grass and little maintenance.

Glory Thomas, president of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, said she did not realize how much help the cemetery needed until a family burial brought the issue into focus. Though she now lives in Houston, several members of her family are buried at Evergreen.

“Weeds were high, the grass wasn’t cut,” Thomas said. “It took my aunt telling me how embarrassed she was that we buried her sister there. That opened my eyes.”

Thomas decided to take action. Each year, she returns to Mart to update the community on progress made at the cemetery — including the installation of new fencing and gates — and to encourage others to get involved in preserving its history.

“It’s something you have to want to do,” Thomas said. “We’re not where we need to be, but we’re better than where we started, and we’re steadily striving for improvement. Recognizing Evergreen Cemetery during Black History Month means a lot to me.”

Support has come from former residents, family members, and people outside the Black community who recognize the importance of preserving historic spaces.

“One white man at our meeting told me that if we turned the cemetery into a nonprofit association, he had funds for us,” Thomas said. “That company gave us our first grant. It makes me want to do all I can — not just for your family, but for every family that chose this cemetery as their final place of rest.”

Evergreen Cemetery remains privately maintained through donations, volunteer work, and community support. During Black History Month, Thomas and other organizers hope the renewed attention will help ensure the cemetery’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.