Edinburg Moves MLK Day of Service with Restlawn Cemetery Revitalization Project To Friday, Jan. 19
From Staff Reports
Edinburg, TX – January 3, 2024 — In a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, the City of Edinburg, alongside the City’s Cultural Arts’ Juneteenth Committee and Village in the Valley (VIVA), announces the MLK Day of Service initiative. However, as inclement weather is expected this weekend and into early next week, the event has been moved to Friday, Jan. 19. This year, volunteers are invited to participate in a meaningful “Clean Up” at Restlawn Cemetery and Rising Star Historic Black Church in Edinburg.
Restlawn Cemetery, a repository of Edinburg’s historical significance since its establishment in 1928, serves as the final resting place for the city’s African American community. Recognized by the Texas Historical Commission in 2007, the cemetery, located in the northwest corner of Hillcrest Cemetery, is marked as a historical site, holding the remains of approximately 60 individuals.
The Rising Star Baptist Church and Fellowship Hall, tracing its roots back to May 1938, stand as enduring symbols of community service. Acquired from the Moore Airfield base in the 1960s, these structures continue to play a vital role in serving the community.
On Friday, January 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers will unite to celebrate the nationwide ‘MLK Day of Service.’ The agenda includes a brief program recognizing the cemetery’s significance to the City of Edinburg and the broader South Texas community. Mayor Ramiro Garza, Jr. will deliver inspiring words on the importance of “Serving the Community,” providing a unique opportunity to pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy.
Volunteers will engage in activities such as clearing debris, spreading fresh mulch, and revitalizing cemetery structures with a fresh coat of paint. Those interested in participating can apply as volunteers by visiting Edinburgarts.com/mlk-day-of-service and following social media platforms at edinburgarts_ on Instagram and Edinburg Cultural Arts on Facebook and X.
For additional information on this inspiring program, contact the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg at 956-383-6246. Join the City of Edinburg in commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a day of service and community revitalization.