It has been widely publicized the absence of African Americans in our National Parks. Through this event I hope to gain the attention of African Americans across the country, so that they will see the benefit of being out in nature, protecting and securing our vital natural resources. Many African Americans are unaware of the contributions our ancestors have made to this country, through our National Parks.
Take for instance the Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers patrolled several national parks and were vital assets during the early stages of development. They patrolled such parks as Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, in California. The first African American Superintendent of a National park, Colonel Charles Young, was stationed at Sequoia National Park in California. President Obama recently dedicated a National Monument in his honor. I think it’s important to get the word out of African Americans contributions in our National Parks. When we see ourselves, we develop a sense of belonging, a sense of responsibility.
This is why it’s important to have such an event as the African American National Parks Event, so that we can come together on a designated day, show our collective faces and learn the history of our ancestors out in the great outdoors. The lack of funding for our national parks is of great concern. As funds become less and less, information that is kept in our national parks, may begin to fade away. Thus the stories that are tied to these parks may be on the chopping block, if we do not put up a fight to keep this information relevant. I believe this event is a vital aspect in engaging future stewards of the great outdoors, by reminding all who participate, of the legacy our ancestors forged, by protecting these grand resources. And in doing so, we ensure their stories will be around for years to come.
June 22nd and 23rd are the dates of this event. Please submit a photo of you and or your group, out in a national park. Submit it to this page so it can become part of a collage commemorating this event. Click HERE to submit your info to be a part of the fan page for this group and to find other like-minded wildlife explorers.
For more info email tmbaker1165@gmail.com.
