The Historic cell phone tour that was launched last year is getting a new stop with the addition of Toussaint L’Overture Cemetery. Just in time to be part of the Black History Month Celebration, a group from Leadership Franklin has added a tour of the cemetery to the already exciting line up. Mayor Ken Moore, Charita Upkins, Sara Butler, Valerie Caldwell-Buford and Will Reid have made this happen for the community.
The history of the historically black cemetery will be told along with the stories of many people buried there who have helped to shape the Franklin community. A sneak preview of the cemetery stop featuring the voices of Toby Mac, Melinda Doolittle, WSMV Newscaster Tom Randles, Strongtower Church Pastor Chris Williamson, Historian Thelma Battle and Community Leader Tommy Murdic will be featured on the City of Franklin website on Monday, February 25th in honor of Black History Month. For more information, you can visit www.franklintn.gov/parks.
“Being a part of Leadership Franklin this year has been a great learning experience,” said Franklin Mayor, Dr. Ken Moore. “This project happens to be a group project I am working on and I am excited to bring the stories of these wonderful men and women to life. There is a lot of history at the Toussaint L’Overture Cemetery and this cell phone tour stop will help educate visitors and residents.”
“It was a joy working on this project and bringing these stories to life,” said Charita Upkins. “We are so fortunate to have these famous individuals add their voices to help preserve our history in Franklin.”
The official tour will be launched with a ceremony in early April.
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Photo Caption L-R: Charita Upkins, Leadership Franklin; Deanna Scheffel City of Franklin Parks Department; Melinda Doolitle; Thelma Battle; Mayor Ken Moore
