The Town of Rye marked Juneteenth on Sunday with a meaningful effort to preserve local Black history. The event brought residents and officials together for a restoration project at the African American Cemetery.

Community members gathered to clean, repair and honor the historic burial site, which serves as the final resting place for some of the town’s earliest Black residents. They include veterans and families whose stories helped shape the community.

The cemetery holds deep historical significance, with more than 160 unmarked graves. Ongoing efforts by the town and volunteers aim to preserve existing headstones and identify previously unmarked burial sites.

Westchester Supreme Court Justice David Everett said these efforts are critical to ensuring history is not lost.

“People should not just be buried and forgotten, and their history is part of our history,” Everett said.

He added that the stories of African Americans, particularly those who served in the military, have often been overlooked.

“The history of African Americans in the military is really a neglected and in large part forgotten story,” Everett said. “It’s a terrible tragedy that these stories…are not being put out there along with other stories about American fighting men and women.”

Organizers said they hope the project not only protects the site but also raises awareness about the lasting impact of African American history in the region.