St. Louis, MO (May 8, 2025) – In collaboration with America’s Plastic Makers, Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) unveiled a newly restored access road today at the historically African American Greenwood Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. The unveiling highlights completion of a significant accessibility project during the cemetery’s 150th anniversary, undertaken by a broad team of local and national organizations.
The access road is the first outcome of a collaboration announced in January 2023 in which America’s Plastic Makers committed to contribute $1 million in funding and materials to help EWB-USA uplift underserved communities and advance U.S. infrastructure.
A ribbon cutting ceremony at the cemetery on May 8 included multiple organizations and individuals who contributed to and benefit from the new access road, including ancestors of African Americans buried in the cemetery.
More than 50,000 African Americans are buried in Greenwood Cemetery’s 32 acres. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 2004.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of the cemetery, which only a decade ago was an impenetrable mass of overgrown foliage. The revitalization has been spearheaded by the Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association.
During a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 8, EWB-USA CEO Boris Martin praised the large number of individuals and organizations who help provide for more efficient, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure options for underserved communities in the U.S.
“Greenwood Cemetery holds an essential place in the history of St. Louis and our country. At Engineers Without Borders USA, we are honored to support its preservation through infrastructure that reflects the dignity of the people laid to rest here and the community that continues to honor them.”
“This restored access road is more than just a path — it’s a bridge between past and future, built through innovative, sustainable materials and the collective effort of committed partners. It’s a powerful example of how engineering and community-led revitalization can create impact”
America’s Plastic Makers Chief of Staff Lee Salamone praised EWB-USA’s leadership and mission. “When we signed an agreement with Boris two years ago, we didn’t know where this first project would be. But we knew we would be surrounded by a community of people who wanted to rebuild something meaningful, like Greenwood Cemetery.”
“We’re proud that the pipes and pavers used in this project include recycled plastic. America’s Plastic Makers want to make as much new plastics out of used plastics as feasible. This project is one small demonstration of that. And it’s evidence that communities can rebuild sustainably.”
The permeable pavers from Aspire Pavers allow rainwater to drain into underground drainage pipes from Advance Drainage Systems, rather than pooling or running off into nearby waterways. In addition, the plastics company LyondellBasell contributed supplementary financial resources and materials to help bring the project to the finish line.
EWB-USA and America’s Plastic Makers are researching additional projects that can enable underserved American communities to rebuild sustainably.