DIGGING FOR DIGNITY: Request for Proposal Process and Opportunity to Submit a Restoration and Stewardship Plan for Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery at the People’s Memorial Burial Park.
June 16, 2026
Cc: Mayor An Truong; Members of the Haltom City Council; City Secretary
DIGGING FOR DIGNITY: Request for Proposal Process and Opportunity to Submit a Restoration and Stewardship Plan for Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery at the People’s Memorial Burial Park.
Dear Mr. Phelps:
On behalf of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth, the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, and the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association, I respectfully submit this letter requesting information regarding the City of Haltom City’s plans for the future restoration, operation, maintenance, preservation, and stewardship of Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery, located within the People’s Memorial Burial Park.
We recently reviewed the proposed resolution expressing support for the appointment of American Legion Department of Texas Post 655 as the nonprofit entity authorized to assume responsibility for the cemetery pursuant to Chapter 713 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. While we appreciate every effort to preserve and maintain this sacred site, we respectfully request clarification regarding the process used to identify and select a nonprofit organization for this important responsibility.
According to the proposed resolution, the City Council determined that no viable cemetery organization currently exists to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemetery. However, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and its community partners have actively worked to preserve, document, and promote the history and legacy of this cemetery for more than a year. Therefore, we respectfully seek clarification regarding the process by which organizations were identified, evaluated, and considered.
Historically, the People’s Memorial Burial Park and New Trinity Cemetery were established, maintained, and protected by descendants of the African American families whose loved ones were buried there. Long before public intervention became necessary, Black churches, Black civic organizations, Black veterans, and Black families served as the caretakers of this sacred ground. They purchased the land, buried their dead with dignity, and preserved the memory of generations who helped build Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and North Texas.
Because of that history, we believe the Black church community and descendant community should be afforded an opportunity to participate in determining the future stewardship of the cemetery. The preservation of this historic burial ground should honor both the ancestors who rest there and the communities that have historically carried the responsibility of maintaining their legacy.
Specifically, we would appreciate responses to the following questions:
Since July 2025, New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and its partners have devoted hundreds of volunteer hours toward documenting, preserving, promoting, and protecting the legacy of those buried at Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery. Through these efforts, volunteers have identified and documented numerous Black pioneers, veterans, educators, faith leaders, business owners, and community builders whose stories are integral to the history of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and Texas.
Among those identified is Florence Rawls, a member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), whose service was recognized through the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the unit. Discoveries such as these demonstrate that the cemetery is not merely a burial ground, but an irreplaceable historical archive deserving of comprehensive preservation, interpretation, and public education.
Our organizations have also launched the Digging for Dignity Initiative and the Juneteenth Find-A-Grave Project, mobilizing volunteers, historians, descendants, veterans, and community members to identify, document, and preserve the stories of nearly 8,000 Black pioneers buried within the cemetery. These efforts have established a foundation for long-term stewardship and public engagement that extends well beyond routine maintenance.
We firmly believe that Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery is hallowed ground. It is sacred land made holy by the lives, labor, sacrifices, faith, and contributions of those buried there. The future stewardship of such a historically significant site should be determined through a transparent process that allows qualified organizations an equal opportunity to present their vision, qualifications, and commitment to preservation.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that the City of Haltom City:
• Provide information regarding any existing proposal, qualification, or selection process;
• Delay any final designation or endorsement until interested nonprofit organizations have had an opportunity to submit proposals and qualifications;
• Establish an open and transparent Request for Proposals or Request for Qualifications process;
• Provide an opportunity for public input regarding the future stewardship of the cemetery;
• Consider establishing a community advisory committee composed of descendants, historians, preservationists, veterans organizations, faith leaders, and community stakeholders; and
• Ensure that descendant families, African American community organizations, and historically engaged Black churches have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the future of this sacred burial ground.
New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, and the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association stand ready to submit a comprehensive proposal outlining our vision for restoration, preservation, historical interpretation, veteran recognition, genealogical research, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and long-term stewardship of Historic Fretwell Cemetery–New Trinity Cemetery.
Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to preserving this important piece of Texas history. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, City staff, and members of the City Council to discuss these matters further.
Respectfully submitted,
“They Were Buried in Silence. We Will Raise Their Names.”
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