Two ceremonies to mark history of Eden Cemetery

The historic Eden Cemetery and one of its founders will be honored Thursday in separate ceremonies commemorating their importance in African American history.

The Collingdale cemetery, a burial ground for many distinguished African Americans, will be feted by the Toni Morrison Society, a literary association affiliated with the author.

Its founder, John C. Asbury, will be honored with a state historic marker to be unveiled outside the activist's former home in South Philadelphia.

Eden is the resting place for luminaries including the singer Marian Anderson, the early civil rights activist Octavius V. Catto, and John Baxter Taylor Jr., the first African American Olympic gold medal winner.

Asbury cofounded the cemetery in 1905. He was a lawyer, editor, and philanthropist who served as a state representative and introduced a civil-rights bill into the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1921.

The historic marker will be dedicated at 10:30 a.m. at 1710 Christian St. The Toni Morrison Society event will be at 1:30 p.m. at the cemetery, 1434 Springfield Rd. Both ceremonies are free and open to the public.

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