06 C14H-2025-0117 - Bethany Cemetery; District 1 - Public Comment 2 — original pdf

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From: To: Subject: Date: Lajoy Edwards Contreras, Kalan; Dre"Chelle E; Day Edwards Descendant Support for Preservation of Bethany Cemetery Sunday, February 8, 2026 10:34:57 PM External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for designating Bethany Cemetery in Austin, Texas as a protected historic site. My ancestors are buried at Bethany Cemetery, and it remains one of the few surviving physical records of Black families who lived, labored, and built community in Austin during eras when their histories were rarely documented elsewhere. Preserving this cemetery protects not only sacred burial grounds, but also irreplaceable genealogical and cultural history. Historic designation would honor descendant families, safeguard dignity for those buried there, and ensure Austin’s history is preserved fully and truthfully. I respectfully urge the Committee to support permanent protection for Bethany Cemetery. Respectfully submitted Dreamer Edwards Descendant of those buried at Bethany Cemetery CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov". 06 C14H-2025-0117 - Bethany Cemetery; District 11 of 1