Historic Cemetery Falls into Disrepair, Reported by: Today’s THV 11 Tuesday, September 22 2009

In 2007, Governor Mike Beebe signed legislation to address concerns, but the group says there hasn't been much improvement.

Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery have organized five clean-ups. Since then other people from the community have also stepped-in to volunteer to help.

However, the group says in order to see real improvement there needs to be a change in leadership.

Historic African American Cemetery Falls into Disrepair, Reported by: KARK 4 News Tuesday, September 22 2009

A historic African American cemetery has fallen into disrepair and one community group is trying to drum up support to revitalize the grounds.

Friends of Haven of Rest want to become the permanent court-appointed receiver for Haven of Rest, meaning they would be responsible for maintaining the grounds.  The cemetery is one of 96 perpetual care cemeteries in the state, meaning the Arkansas Cemetery Board is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the grounds.

Group Fights to maintain cemetery, Reported by: Today’s THV 11 Tuesday, September 22 2010

"There are so many headstones lost because of the way the grass is being cut," says B.J. McCoy, chairman of the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery.

It's a nonprofit group that hopes to become the permanent receiver. It's the receiver's job to operate and maintain it.

"It's best if we have full responsibility and work in full cooperation with the Arkansas Cemetery Board," says McCoy.

A judge has recommended a temporary receiver to work with the group until it can take over the start of next year.

Group Works to Restore Historic Cemetery, Reported by: KARK 4 News Tuesday, October 08 2010

"That's a headstone there," BJ McCoy says as he uses his foot to brush dirt and overgrown grass off a headstone at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Little Rock. "How long will it take before it's covered up?"

As a member of the Arkansas State Cemetery Board, which he'll rotate off of next year, McCoy first set foot on the Haven of Rest Cemetery a few years ago.

"I was actually terrified and the reason I was terrified was because the cemetery appeared to be in such a condition that if actions weren't taken, it would become a public nuisance," McCoy explains.