At least 50 activists rallied outside of the gates of Woodlawn Cemetery last Saturday to protest against what they called a racist, discriminatory and retaliatory work environment inside the historic landmark.

The rally was also in support of a discrimination lawsuit brought against the cemetery by three former employees and one current employee.

The former employees — Frank Russo, Todd Brown and Alex Coss — said they were ousted for speaking against the injustice going on inside the cemetery.

Russo called his fellow plaintiffs his “band of brothers” and said he was fired for speaking out after returning to work following a brain tumor operation.

“They mentally, physically, and financially strangled me. Even one of the foremen mentioned to me that if I had never stayed with these guys, I would have never have had to ‘suffer the consequences.’ Those are his words.” Russo said.

Alex Coss’ brother, Rick Coss, the only plaintiff still working at Woodlawn, said he wanted to strengthen his fellow workers’ union, noting that their contract expires at the end of the year. That is, if he doesn’t get fired first.

“I’m the only one still actively working at the cemetery,” Rick Coss said. “So if tomorrow, or Monday, I’m no longer there — you know why.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the April 18-May1 print edition of the Norwood News.