A section of a historic burial ground for slaves and other black Virginians will be preserved in downtown Richmond.

Officials from the city of Richmond, the state and Virginia Commonwealth University announced an agreement Thursday to rededicate the land, which has been used as a parking lot.

While the main portion of the burial ground lies under Interstate 95, a section extends into a parking lot recently acquired by VCU.

Under the agreement, the public university will set aside that portion of the lot so a public memorial can be developed at the location.

The Richmond Slave Trail Commission will help develop plans for the property.