Cemetery was being restored as of 09 MAY 2026 and due to conflicts with the neighbors and community in the area making threats and harassment of volunteers we will not be returning due to safety concerns. We do find this unfortunate. And we were hopeful to restore this cemetery

African American Cemetery. Located inside city limits of Newport on Cooper Street next to Charles T Rhyne Housing Project.

From this source on page 26.

Jaybird Cemetery is located near the center of Newport, in the midst of the Colonel Charles T. Rhyne Housing Project on the corner of Cooper and Alley Streets. Severely overgrown, the cemetery is inaccessible to the public. While no sign demarcates the plot as "Jaybird Cemetery," concerned citizens of the Newport community have identified the area as one needing extensive attention and maintenance.

It appears as if the town is apathetic about the condition of the cemetery since debris and thorny vines cover the entire landscape, denying safe entrance and movement throughout the grounds. Rather than removing the tall and ominous vegetation masking the area to allow the public to move around unhindered, however, Newport has elected to block it off with a chain linked fence and "no trespassing" signage. In fact, Jaybird Cemetery's condition is so deplorable that the cemetery advocacy group "Saving Graves" has included it in their Endangered Cemetery Report.

Cemetery per deeds office is not listed as having an owner as of May 2026 the cemetery is in rough shape currently being restored by WAG Cemetery Restoration and history preservation.

Sign is being added to the fence stating no visiting after dark to disuade people from sleeping overnight and police are patrolling more frequently to ensure community safety.