By Cecelia Robinson
The Missouri Humanities awarded the Clay County African American Legacy, Inc. a Mini Grant to help fund its inspiring Bicentennial project—a monument that honors the enduring contributions of 760 African American pioneers buried in mostly unmarked graves in Liberty, Missouri.
Located in the historic Fairview Cemetery, the monument stands in the cemetery’s segregated “colored” section on the eastern side of the grounds. Established in 1858, Fairview is the second-oldest cemetery in Clay County, making it a fitting resting place for those whose lives shaped the region’s growth.
The individuals commemorated on this monument arrived in the Midwest enslaved yet persevered to build lives of dignity and purpose despite the challenges of inequality and racism. Their stories, now etched into history, illuminate their enduring contributions to Clay County’s development and humanity as a whole.
The monument itself is a testament to history, featuring a plaza walkway adorned with story panels and story stones that guide visitors through pivotal periods of the African American experience—from the antebellum era to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Through the Mini Grant, Missouri Humanities helped the Clay County African American Legacy bring the pioneers stories to life by supporting the creation of a permanent website that can be accessed through googling: Liberty African American Legacy Memorial. This online resource provides public access to the genealogical history of those honored and offers deeper insight into their invaluable legacy.
The Liberty African American Legacy Monument stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance, ensuring the contributions of these pioneers are not forgotten but cherished for generations to come. Missouri Humanities grant funding helps to shape our understanding of community and humanity.
