Centering Black Narratives in State Parks
Hi Friends-
One of my favorite things about California’s 280 state parks is the rich and diverse history visitors can uncover. These public spaces are home to stories and contributions from people from all backgrounds, religions, ethnicities and cultures. It is up to us to be sure those stories and contributions are remembered, shared and centered in the work we do today.
In February, well-known as Black History Month, I’d like to invite you to join us in celebrating and elevating Black narratives in and around state parks. For us, this starts with a look back. For example, did you know:
- Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park celebrates Black history like no other state park. Allensworth was the first-known town in California with a thriving Black population. To celebrate its history, we’re holding our first ParkSpeak of 2021 at this beautiful historic park in the spring. Stay tuned for more information.
- Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park was created to honor Simon Rodia, a self-taught Italian-American artist – yet the Black community in Los Angeles has left a legacy of creativity in this park’s long history. Watch more here.
- Candlestick Point State Recreation Area is what it is today thanks to countless contributions from the Black community of Bayview-Hunters Point. See more here.
Black History Month is an important reminder to intentionally reflect on the contributions of Black communities – but it cannot stop there. Black History Month is every month, every day, every minute, and we must all do our part to celebrate, stand up for, and uplift Black people. This is not just about honoring contributions of the past, but making a commitment to being better allies as well as more inclusive storytellers. Only then can we truly walk this path together to make the outdoors a more welcoming place for all.
Wishing you and yours well,
Kindley
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