Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition to hold press conference, protest at Moses African Cemetery today

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition will be back out at the hidden Moses African Cemetery this afternoon for two events to bring attention to the desecrated burial ground. At 4:00 PM today, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, a press conference will be held at the Willett Branch stream behind Westwood Tower at 5401 Westbard Avenue. Organizers are directing attendees to park in the Westwood Tower parking lot, and follow the signs back to the stream. An hour later, at 5:00 PM, a rally will be held close by at 5204 River Road.

Environmental concerns about the cemetery site will be discussed at the press conference. Speakers expected to address the media include the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, President, Hip Hop Caucus; the Rev. Segun Adebayo, Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church; Brandy Brooks, candidate for Montgomery County Council - At-large; Dr. Timothy Willard, Co-Chair, Green Party of Montgomery County; David Mott, Poor People's Campaign (Montgomery County); Dr. James Driscoll, Extinction Rebellion MOCO; Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition; Baba Mosi Matsimela, President of the Woodson Banneker, Jackson Bey Jackson 330, United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA); Paul Pumphrey, Black Alliance for Peace (BAP); and (invited) Laurie-Anne Sayles, Gaithersburg City Councilmember and candidate for Montgomery County Council - At-large.