Edinburg postpones, set to honor MLK Jr. Day with cemetery cleanup

Special to the Advance EDINBURG — The City of Edinburg's Juneteenth Committee is partnering with the UTRGV Center for Student Involvement to host a special community service event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On Jan. 27, volunteers are invited to join a cleanup project at the historic Restlawn Cemetery, located at 1122 North Jasman Road.

Established in 1928 as a burial site for African Americans in Edinburg, Restlawn Cemetery is a significant landmark in the city's history. This event serves as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy of service and community engagement. Volunteers will participate in activities such as:

• Clearing Debris: Rake and clear debris from the cemetery grounds.

• Painting and Restoration: Paint fencing and crosses and restore the cemetery's appearance.

• Landscaping: Mulch and trim branches and bushes to beautify the cemetery.

• Donations: Contribute to the Memorial Wall at Restlawn Cemetery.

The day will also feature a commemorative program highlighting the cemetery's importance to Edinburg and the broader South Texas community. City leaders will share remarks on the value of service and the impact of collective action in honoring Dr. King's vision.

The City of Edinburg encourages residents and the Rio Grande Valley community to take part in this meaningful day of service. Together, we can preserve this vital piece of history while embodying the spirit of unity and progress that Dr. King championed.

For more information about the event, please contact the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center at 956-388-8224 or email at arts@cityofedinburg. com.

Story Courtesy
City of Edinburg

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the rescheduled date of the event. Initially, the event was set for Jan. 20, but was moved to Jan. 27 due to expected cold weather.