Hi Polly. Let me make some quick suggestions to you, if you haven't already done so. First thing, would be to contact the oldest person in your family. If they don't have the answer, they may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does. Since you are also looking up a cemetery I would additionally advise that you may want to contact the local African-American funeral home. Again, if they don't have the answer they may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does.
Additionally, there may be someone who is already working on the local history of the area, most likely a county historical society and they may have some of the information you are looking for. A good place to start in this area would be the Black Belt African-American Genealogical & Historical society.

Happy hunting!