Bastrop Community Restores Historic Black Cemetery

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After years of neglect, a local nonprofit organization in Bastrop, Louisiana is restoring the 64-year-old Whispering Pines Memorial Cemetery, an integral part of the Black community that honors the lost loved ones of many families. The restoration effort coincides with Black History Month and aims to uncover graves, clean the area, and make the cemetery visible and accessible to all families with relatives buried there.

Why it matters

The Whispering Pines Memorial Cemetery has been an important part of the Bastrop community for decades, serving as a final resting place for many Black families. However, years of neglect had made it difficult for families to visit and honor their lost loved ones. This restoration project is a meaningful way to preserve the history and significance of the cemetery for the community.

The details

The restoration effort is being led by the Whispering Pines Memorial Restoration & Operations Board, headed by Ronnie Edwards. Families are coming together to fix up the cemetery, which contains over 200 graves. For Virginia Edwards, a member of the restoration group, the project is personal as her grandfather and daughter are buried at the site. The goal is to uncover graves, clean the area, and make the cemetery accessible to all families with loved ones buried there.

• The Whispering Pines Memorial Cemetery was established 64 years ago.
• The restoration effort is coinciding with Black History Month in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Ronnie Edwards is meeting with the University of Louisiana at Monroe later this month to discuss making more room for burials at the cemetery.