At The Cemetery Sista, LLC, we are committed to preserving the legacy of African American cemeteries and burial sites through advocacy, education, and hands-on support. With a deep understanding of historic preservation, cultural resource management, and environmental justice, we offer specialized services designed to honor and protect these sacred spaces.

Our work empowers communities to reclaim their heritage, ensuring that these important sites are recognized, respected, and preserved for future generations.

Our Services

The Cemetery Sista, LLC is based in Houston, Texas however we, offer in-person services throughout the states of Texas and Louisiana. We also provide in-person services to cemeteries in other states on a case-by-case basis. Remote services are readily available to clients across the Gulf Coast and Eastern regions of the United States.

At The Cemetery Sista, LLC, we are committed to preserving and honoring the legacy of African American burial sites through a comprehensive range of specialized services, tailored to the unique needs of each site that address critical management issues.

  • We offer expert assessments and develop tailored preservation plans to restore and maintain historic African American cemeteries. Our approach balances cultural significance with environmental sustainability, ensuring these sacred spaces are preserved for future generations.

    • Cemetery Risk Assessments

    • Documentation and Archival Research

    • Community Engagement and Training

    • Grant Writing and Fundraising Support

  • Using advanced GIS and remote sensing technology, we map cemeteries and identify unmarked or forgotten graves. We assist families in locating burial plots, confirming the existence of cemeteries, and providing peace of mind.

    • GIS-Based Cemetery Mapping

    • Community and Public Mapping Projects

  • We develop and deliver educational programs that teach students and communities about the importance of cemetery preservation, history, and sustainable practices. Our workshops, tours, and events highlight the rich cultural heritage of African American cemeteries and the risks threatening their existence.

    • Educational Workshop and Seminars

    • Guided Cemetery Tours

    • School and Youth Programs

    • Virtual Learning and Online Curriculum Development

    • Public Speaking and Advocacy

  • We provide personalized upkeep and maintenance for individual burial plots, including cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs. Families receive regular updates on the condition of their loved ones' burial sites, ensuring ongoing care and respect. Tiered level or monthly subscription package for these services are available.

    • Plot Verification and Documentation

    • Historical Record Research and Plot Identification

    • Family Plot Identification and Restoration

    • Digi-Legacy Headstone and Plot Tracker

  • Our research focuses on the intersection of environmental science, historic preservation, urban planning, and Black Geography, with an emphasis on preserving historic African American cemeteries and burial sites. We use advanced geospatial analysis, sustainable practices, geo-ethnography, and community-based research to address critical issues in cemetery preservation and environmental justice. Our work provides valuable insights for scholars, genealogists, educators, and community members. Our research agenda includes:

    • Environmental Impact on Historic Burial Sites

    • Critical Black Geography and Spatial Justice

    • Environmental Justice and Black Spatial Histories

    • Cultural and Historical Signficance of Cemeteries

    • Community-Based Research and Participatory Urban Planning

  • We are dedicated to protecting endangered cemeteries through community organizing and legal advocacy. While not a law firm, our expertise in the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding historic cemeteries allows us to offer valuable guidance. We collaborate with local governments, attorneys, and organizations to ensure these sacred sites are properly recognized and preserved. Due to differing state regulations, our select services are available in Texas and Louisiana.

    • Cemetery Advocacy and Public Awareness Campaigns

    • Policy Advocacy

    • Regulatory Guidance and Compliance

    • Historic Designation and Preservation Application Services

    • Subject Matter Expert Witness Support

    • Legal Rights and Cemetery Protection Workshops

“Cemeteries are non-renewable resources that, once destroyed, cannot be replaced. Their cultural importance and the role they play in preserving our history and heritage is immense.”
— Jennifer R. Blanks, PhD

Follow us on Instagram!

Are you a fan of storytelling, digital engagement, and want to learn more about Black cemeteries throughout the United States? Join the movement, and follow us on Instagram at @TheCemeterySista