Chari Bostick is a historian and preservationist in Gadsden, Alabama. Bostick’s foray into public history and historic preservation began after she found a death certificate that listed a burial in Southern Hills Cemetery. Bostick discovered the cemetery—which dates to the early 1800s when it began use as a burial ground for enslaved Africans—in a state of disrepair. Soon after she established Grace Heritage Community Development. Since then, Bostick has worked to both preserve the cemetery’s grounds and learn more about those buried there.
As a result of her cemetery preservation work, Bostick’s efforts have expanded to documenting and sharing African American history in the broader community. Bostick began an African American community archive and oral history project. And between 2014 and 2020 Bostick operated one of two African American museums in Etowah County, Alabama. As a result of her expertise, Bostick is a frequent speaker at community events and is often consulted with by local officials.
In addition to her public history work and historic preservation endeavors, Bostick is engaged in the local community. She is a board member of the Gadsden Public Library Foundation, Chair of the Minority Affairs for the Democratic Executive Committee in Gadsden, a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Committee (SCLC), and a member of the Etowah County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She is also a former board member for Habitat for Humanity.
Bostick is a native of Gadsden, Alabama and proud graduate of both Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University.
Grace Heritage operates under the guidance of a board of directors and collaborates with several community partners throughout Etowah County.
Grace Heritage Community Development 