My name is Tamara Moore. I am a Black Elementary Educator and Queer Youth Advocate in Denver Colorado. I am partnering with NPCA to share my thoughts and learnings during Black History Month.
This month is a time for deep reflection, learning and healing. As a nation our history has shaped the lives of some citizens in ways that are not always equitable.
But fortunately, our history, including Black history, is not always doom and gloom. Black Americans have made incredible contributions to society, including creating great American art, contributing to scientific advancement, and fighting for civil rights for all. And we continue to do so every day.
During the month of February, I have chosen to reflect on national parks and the Black history behind them. I'd love to share some of what I've learned with you about Nicodemus National Historic Site, in Kansas. This park is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.
Nicodemus is the longest lasting homesteader settlement in America. In 1877, six black entrepreneurs in Topeka, Kansas joined with a white developer to create an all-Black community. By 1879, the town had a general store, churches, a hotel, a post office, a real estate office and the county's first public school. The future of this community would depend on access to railroads.
The five historic buildings at Nicodemus National Historic Site each represent the spirit of Nicodemus. The township hall represents self-government, St. Francis Hotel represents business and family life, the historic First Baptist Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church represent spirituality, and School District #1 represents education.
The fate of the community was decided when they were denied access to the railroad in 1888. This systematic denial of economic opportunity still occurs today. Highlighting injustice makes it easier to see when it happens again.
I'd love to continue this conversation with you.
If you'd like to learn more about this fascinating park site and others like it, follow me (@ifpencilscouldtalk) and NPCA (@npcapics) on Instagram as we reveal the stories of Black history in our national parks. Join us in the learning and healing our nation needs to continue to create an America that is great for us all.
Thank you for all you do for our parks,
Tamara Moore
Black Elementary Educator and Queer Youth Advocate
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