Divisive past sparks present unity

More than fifty folks gathered Wednesday morning to witness and be part of history in the making.
The fence that once separated Cedar Memorial Gardens from the Black cemetery to the west is being removed.
Mineola Mayor Kevin White briefly addressed the gathered crowd, saying, “It’s amazing what happens when people listen to each other.”
White introduced Jim Phillips, chairman of the Mineola Landmark Commission, who says the commission, “shares in the enthusiasm for this symbolic gesture of hope and appreciates all those who worked to achieve it.”
Finally, Pastor Demethrius Boyd spoke. He thanked God and everyone joining in to mark the occasion. He later expressed how positive of an event it was, and shared his gratitude for the day.
Boyd, with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mineola, spearheaded discussions with board members of Cedar Memorial Gardens, which resulted in a decision to allow the fence to be removed.