Welcoming African Americans to their National Parks
Like the Buffalo Soldiers of the early 1900’s, I find a strong connection to the beauty and majesty of the National Parks. It is not typical for a former city…
Letter to the National Sierra Club
Subject: Welcoming African Americans to their National Parks
As a proud African American who won several contracts to make improvements to the roads and buildings of our California National Parks, I believe I am in the company of very few citizens. I am not one to typically call attention to my accomplishments. However, in these racially polarized times I think it is most necessary to point to contributions made by African Americans large and small, to the building and preservation of our most precious assets.
How can we work together to achieve recognition for the work completed in the National Park System by Buddy Jones Contracting Services between the years of 1993 to 2002?
Congratulations to Buddy Jones from President George Bush - May 2001
I believe working with you and the Sierra Club we can document and recognize the story of how the U.S government provided multiple opportunities for us to bid, win and successfully deliver over $14 million dollars of repairs and improvements.
Like the Buffalo Soldiers of the early 1900’s, I find a strong connection to the beauty and majesty of the parks. It is not typical for a former city kid from the Eastside ghetto of 1940’s Riverside California, to find a home in our parks. Yet, for the past fifty years I have both worked and played in our parks. From hiking and camping with friends and family in Yosemite to rafting down and fishing in the Snake River, I have been a regular attendee. At the age of 80, I am happy that I have successfully passed on this love affair to my children and their children.
But that is not enough. We need to attract current and future generations of low income, city-bound African Americans to stumble upon the magic and beauty of our parks. Knowing and having regular access can and will change hearts and minds. It will for some, help them discover how very rich and fortunate they are to live in this country that shares the natural wonders with all citizens.
The challenge. Getting them to the parks and creating a welcoming environment that says, “Hey young black boy, hey young black girl. Welcome to your second home! This is your park. Now, enjoy your stay. Learn about the magic of nature and most important, learn to be a custodian, like Buddy Jones and the Buffalo soldiers, so you can return every year with your family. And eventually see the families of your children visit.”
Please consider presenting images of contributors like me in park welcome centers. Pictures of people of color who have consistently demonstrated a passion for these unique jewels of nature. And most important, start providing more conservation projects, targeting Black youth, to participate as volunteers who can become future custodians.
Please let me know when we might meet to discuss my proposal.
Respectfully submitted,
Buddy Jones
October 2020
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