DETROIT, March 11 /PRNewswire/ --
Media Statement:
"The Woodlawn family feels very strongly that Mrs. Parks' final resting
place should be a secure and dignified environment where generations can come
to revere her memory. It was to honor Rosa Parks, and only to honor her, that
we dedicated the mausoleum as the Rosa L. Parks Freedom Chapel. We regret that
the misinformation contained in recent news stories has caused additional
heartache and pain to her family and to all who revere this great woman."
Background
To honor the legacy of Rosa Parks, Woodlawn Cemetery and its parent
company Mikocem, LLC, dedicated a mausoleum and donated crypts and entombment
services for Mrs. Parks, and for her husband and mother who were buried
elsewhere in the cemetery.
Woodlawn originally presented a proposal to dedicate the chapel and donate
crypts in 2004. Three days after her passing, the legal representatives of her
estate graciously accepted the offer. It was the Cemetery's understanding that
Mrs. Parks' family was consulted, and offered an opportunity to purchase
crypts in the chapel.
In the week before her funeral, Woodlawn Cemetery made major upgrades and
enhancements to the chapel necessary for a person of Mrs. Parks' stature. Most
importantly, a high-level security system was installed, allowing the chapel
to be open to visitors wanting to revere her memory. Additionally, the chapel
was painted and new carpet, improved lighting, benches and monuments were
installed. The area was landscaped, trees were cut down and roads were
patched. A major underground upgrade to the electrical system is underway.
Mikocem donated crypts, disinterment and entombment fees and bronze
inscriptions for the Parks family, and is absorbing more than $60,000 in
renovation costs. Also, they are staffing the chapel when opened to provide
additional security.
Although the crypts in the Rosa L. Parks Freedom Chapel have never been
marketed, a private party contacted Woodlawn expressing interest in the seven
remaining couch crypts near Mrs. Parks. They understand they will benefit from
the recent enhancements, and are honored to have this opportunity to support
these efforts.
Built in 1895, this structure was renovated in 1999 to serve as a
mausoleum and has 10 couch crypts (the last remaining crypts of this
prominence in the cemetery), 60 single crypts, and a seating area for
services.
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