What's happened
FrankCrum is suing Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency over the discovery of hundreds of graves beneath its office complex. The company claims it was unaware of the graves when purchasing the property, which was formerly a Black neighborhood cemetery. The case is progressing after an appeals court denied a summary judgment, with a trial pending.
What's behind the headline?
The case highlights ongoing issues of historical racial injustice and the neglect of Black cemeteries. FrankCrum’s lawsuit underscores the legal complexities of property rights versus burial site protections. The dispute also raises questions about due diligence in property transactions involving historically marginalized communities. The case could set a precedent for how municipalities and private companies handle buried remains, especially when historical records are incomplete or disputed.
The legal timeline suggests a broader reckoning with racial history and property law. The delay in addressing the graves reflects challenges in uncovering and respecting Black burial sites, often neglected or forgotten. The outcome will likely influence future policies on cemetery preservation and the responsibilities of property owners. The case also exposes the tension between financial interests and cultural heritage, with potential implications for similar cases nationwide.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that FrankCrum is suing the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency over the discovery of hundreds of graves beneath its property, which was formerly a Black neighborhood cemetery. The Tampa Bay Times notes the property was purchased in 2004 with an agreement claiming no human remains were present. The case is advancing after an appeals court denied a summary judgment, with a trial yet to be scheduled.
The case underscores the ongoing struggle to address historical racial injustices related to Black cemeteries. Local authorities and descendants are seeking the relocation of the bodies, while FrankCrum aims to cover the costs of removal, which could be substantial. The legal proceedings reflect broader issues of property rights, historical memory, and racial equity in the US, especially in regions with a history of segregation and neglect of Black communities.
How we got here
In 2022, archaeologists identified at least 328 graves under a property in Clearwater, Florida, previously part of the St. Matthews Baptist Church Cemetery. FrankCrum purchased the site in 2004, with a written agreement stating no human remains were present. The discovery has led to legal action, with descendants seeking the bodies' relocation and FrankCrum seeking the costs of removal.
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