Nothing will convince Black Americans that we must go out and vote in the General Elections than to visit the National Park System and see things they can’t believe exist on Earth, much less in their own country. I know this from experience because since I first saw the national parks in 1995, few Americans have been more dedicated than me to ringing the bell. When I saw what had been hidden from me, I felt so overwhelmed and so indignant that I resolved I would not stop until EVERYBODY knew.
No. I think it’s more important than almost anything to break open the mystique of the National Parks and show all Americans who we are, and what we must be proud of. To help make this happen in the fastest possible way, I have devised a Plan to introduce Black influencers to the National Parks by early fall, so that they can stream their message out to the world. I’m inviting everyone who cares to do all you can to help make it happen.
The Plan enables the culture-shapers to experience the wonders of Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks alongside members of the Diverse Environmental Leaders Speakers Bureau. Wowed as they travel together from Las Vegas experiencing vistas of increasingly stunning beauty, they will stream the reality of a new world, a new face of America, back to the nation.
Why is this important?
Besides the shock of discovery, the influencers will learn that the two political parties are 180-degrees apart in their support for the parks and the preservation of historic sites. A recent survey of voting patterns of Members in the House of Representatives graded ONE Republican as “A,” while more than 200 Democrats earned A’s. To me this is the plainest illustration of where the parties stand.
The tours will continue in the Northeast, starting at Boston National Historic Park and The Boston African American National Historic Site and visit the spot where Crispus Attucks was shot dead, launching the Revolutionary War. Driving to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Philadelphia Tour Park where Black and Brown men and women serving in General Washington’s Continental Army went through virtual damnation, lacking even shoes and leaving bloody footprints on the snow. We’ll visit the Monument to Black Patriots installed by members of Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
A visit to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell will be followed by a tour of National Historic Sites in Washington, DC, including the Boundary Stones that mark the place where the genius Benjamin Banneker laid out the Capital, and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site where his slippers still lie under his bed.
The tour will culminate with a visit to the White House National Park, and a visit to Members of Congress to deliver our urgent message for conservation and protecting the environment for all people.
The Plan includes creating a documentary that will be submitted to the African American Museum of History and Culture on the Washington Mall. A media manager will co-ordinate the flow of information to the media and the public.
As a writer for The Westside Gazette since 1985, my husband Frank and I have kept a steady flow of information to the public about social issues and, since 1995, the national parks and environment. We have a track record of putting on multiple events in national parks that have recognizable positive influence on the movement. If you feel you can help, please contact me Audrey@Audreypeterman.com or visit Delnsb.com.