Olivewood became Houston's first incorporated African American cemetery in 1875 and has been the resting place to some of the most influential leaders in the community.  Over the past few years, leaders from around the Houston Area have been hard at work restoring the cemetery, which has fallen into disrepair and is no longer an active.  Through their hard work and thousands of volunteer hours Olivewood has gained back some of its original dignity and grace.  A non-profit, called the Descendents of Olivewood, Inc. was formed for the purpose of stewardship and coordinating volunteer efforts to clean up the cemetery. 

Other organizations have stepped in to lend a hand, including the City of Houston's Mayor's Office, Tejas Fence and the Home Depot Foundation.  Without the contributions of these organizations, Olivewood would not be in the improved condition that it is today.  With the cooperation of these organizations and many others, the future looks bright for Olivewood.