Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria is set to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial on September 6 and 7. The event will honor Lillie Finklea for her efforts alongside Louise Massoud in establishing the Friends of Freedmen’s Cemetery.

The memorial pays tribute to African Americans who died in Alexandria during the Civil War, many of whom were refugees from Maryland and Virginia seeking protection under Union forces. These individuals, known as contrabands, were protected by their refugee status to prevent their return to Confederate territories.

Freedmen’s Cemetery was established in 1864 by Union military authorities amid a health crisis in Alexandria. Over 1,700 freed and formerly enslaved African Americans were interred there during and after the war. The cemetery was restored and rededicated in 2007, with the memorial opening in 2014 to honor those buried there.

Events include a candlelight vigil on September 7 at Freedmen’s Cemetery, with shuttle service available from Lee Center. Ticketed events begin on September 6 with a bus tour of historic African American churches in Alexandria. A luncheon celebrating the memorial's anniversary will feature Pastor Michelle Thomas as keynote speaker. Another tour will visit Arlington House, focusing on its history with enslaved African Americans.

For more information or disability accommodations, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4554. Language interpretation services are also available upon request.

Alexandria continues its celebration of its founding anniversary with events throughout the year.