Beyond the Sunset: The Story of Greenlawn Cemetery

“Beyond the Sunset: The Story of Greenlawn Cemetery” — a moving documentary by Twyla Simpkins that uncovers the history, challenges, and restoration of Greenlawn Cemetery in Chester Township, PA. For decades a segregated burial ground where African Americans were relegated, today it stands as a restored memorial honoring at least 200 veterans—including Civil War soldiers, Buffalo Soldiers, and men from WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIz6GGuqHTk

0:00 Welcome & Overview

0:45 History of Greenlawn Cemetery & Segregation

2:30 Student Videographers Introduction

3:45 Veteran Tribute – Civil War to Vietnam

5:15 Buffalo Soldiers – Legacy & Artifacts

6:45 Interview: Twyla Simpkins on Restoration

8:00 Interview: Eloise Rothwell – personal connection

9:00 Community Effort – Stetser students & cataloging

10:00 Closing Reflections & Call to Action

Produced with community engagement from students at Stetser Elementary and Chester High School STEM students—inspired by service, unity, and remembrance.

Featured Interviews:

• Taeqwan Naylor & Theodore Fairfax – student videographers

• Ms. Twyla Simpkins – educator and champion of restoration

• Ms. Eloise Rothwell – descendant of Chester’s earliest Black family

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