Making Ourselves at Home on The Home Front
By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
An Outdoor Afro-Guided Tour of African American Women’s History in Richmond
As the last bit of sun disappeared along the horizon of the San Francisco Bay, Outdoor Afros gathered for a final check in of our hike of the Marina Bay Trail in Richmond, California. Going around the circle, we marveled at the African American history ingrained in the land around us. And we agreed that the beautiful waterfront setting was an honorable tribute to the women we’d learned about on our hike. As a slight warm breeze encircled us, seeming like a final gasp of summer air, one Outdoor Afro summed up the experience with three simple words: “I feel free.”
As the federal government shutdown goes on, Outdoor Afro continues to explore ways to engage with our natural spaces. As we’ve mentioned in our previous post, connecting with nature through local and state parks is one of those ways. Established in 2000, the Rosie the Riveter /World War II Home Front National Historic Park is “partnership park,” wherein the City of Richmond owns the park land and buildings, and the National Park Service administers the programming. While, due to the shutdown, we did a self-guided tour, Outdoor Afro highly recommends visiting this important space when it is open. We are sure that you will treasure the lessons to be learned from Outdoor Afros and National Park Service Rangers Raphael Allen and Betty Soskin as much as we do.
When we began the hike, we were excited to find the trail markers which discussed the role of African Americans in shipbuilding, union organizing and civil rights activism during World War II. We learned about Frances Albrier who became the first African American woman to be hired at Shipyard Number 2 in Richmond.
Working as a welder, Ms. Albrier went on to become the first woman elected to Berkeley City Council and led a campaign hire black teachers in the city’s schools. The youngest Outdoor Afro in our group, Capone, told us that the Frances Albrier Community Center was located in San Pablo Park, one of his favorite parks in the city. We also learned about Charlotta Bass, civil rights activist and founder of The Eagle, one of the longest running African American newspapers in the West.
We spent the longest time at the trail marker that described the work of Anna Bland, Eastine Cowner, and Beatrice Turner. These African American women welders and scalers worked on the SS George Washington Carver (1943).
This trail marker has a memorable photo of African American actress Lena Horne joining Beatrice Turner at the launching of the liberty ship. The SS George Washington Carver was the second ship to be named for an African American. We couldn’t help but notice and comment on the smiles on the women’s faces as they worked, no doubt proud of the work they were doing and proud to be working on ship named for such an important figure (and Outdoor Afro of his time) in African American history.
Learning about African American history along the trail remains Outdoor Afro’s favorite way to hike. On the Marina Bay Trail, gazing out at the Bay and the beautiful views of Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate, we saw familiar sights through the eyes of our trailblazing ancestors. And we couldn’t help but think that this magnificent natural setting served as an inspiration to them in their daily hard work just as they serve as an inspiration to us. While we saw their smiling faces beautifully captured in the trail markers, we also looked out and saw them permanently embedded in the natural landscape. And we felt their spirits around us, like a warm summer breeze.
Join us on our next outdoor adventure!
5 Ways To Help You Survive National Park Closures
It's been a tough week for National Park fans and staff with all 401 units closed as a result of the government shutdown. Here are five tips below to help you get engaged and support the parks through this challenged time. Can you add any other ideas to the list?
1. Call or Write a Letter to Your Congressional Representative
Your voice and opinions matter to your elected officials, so write a letter or make a phone call to voice your support for our National Parks. It seems that some in congress have little clue about how their decision making impacts the parks and their staff, so let them know you want the parks open and fully staffed because they are essential. Alternately, send letters of praise to those representatives who demonstrate support for the parks.
2. Join a National Parks Advocacy Group
There are many groups at the forefront to advocate and raise funds for National Parks. Some include the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Foundation, as well as several other organizations made up of ordinary citizens who are dedicated to supporting National Parks around the country. These organizations welcome diverse voices, and are an excellent way to learn more about how to support National Parks year-round.
3. Stay Engaged with Nature via State and Local Parks
What has surfaced during the national park closure is that many people do not know that city, regional, and state parks remain open and fully staffed. Your local parks offer rich opportunities to engage with natural local history, and you can learn cool new things about nature, literally in your own back yard. Local and state parks can be a gateway to National Park experiences, and those places need your support and visitorship too!
4. Encourage Park Staff
Park staff, from the back office to the frontlines, face unplanned and devastating financial consequences as a result of the shutdown, with an added insult of being tinted as “non-essential” through a politicized lens. Use your social media networks to share what the National Parks mean to you, and how you appreciate the hardworking men and women who help preserve them.
5. Learn National Park History
As a family or community, have a movie night to watch the excellent PBS series on the National Parks by Ken Burns, National Parks: America’s Best Idea. It chronicles the fascinating history and intention behind the creation of the National Parks that adds insight into today’s Park challenges. Also, get a copy of Frank and Audrey Peterman’s book Legacy on the Land and view their website to whet your appetite for National Park stories, adventure, and more!
How are you coping with the National Park closure?
Outdoor Afros Swim in Open Water for a Good Cause
That's right! In an historic event this weekend, the East Oakland Swim Club in partnership with Water World Swim Organization Swim and the Centurions of San Francisco, hosted 100 Black Folk and Friends Alcatraz to San Francisco Swim. Folks from around the Oakland Bay Area came together to swim in the surrounding open waters for this good cause: to encourage more black and brown folks to learn to swim, and demonstrate that many already do!
Unfortunately, 70 percent of black children do not know how to swim, and the consequence is a disproportionate rate of drownings in our community. According to the University of Memphis study, the fatal drowning rate of African-American children ages 1-14 is 2.6 times higher than that of white children in the same age range.
Group leader Cedric Troupe shares, "[Oakland] has shutdown many of its public pools, limiting access to swimming in our communities. I hope that through this swim, we raise awareness about how important swimming is to black folk, and the importance of public pools."
Outdoor Afro Leader Zoe Polk, an expert swimmer in her own right, started out the morning with the group and some Clif Bar Mojo!
"It was a beautiful morning," she said, "I was so happy to join Cedric and friends to swim for this important cause!"
Learn more about the East Oakland Swim Club by visiting their Facebook page.
Move Over Batman! Outdoor Afros Take Over A Pennsylvania Cave
A blog by Outdoor Afro Leader Victoria Evans of Pennsylvania, who shares how visiting a cave with kids can cause a seismic shift in how they might perceive these natural treasures.
After the heat and haze of August, the day started with a refreshing crispness, which was good because there is a spectacular view from the top of Chestnut Ridge where the entrance to Laurel Caverns is hidden among the trees. Laurel Caverns is the largest cave in Pennsylvania with 3 miles of passages.
When I started planning this Outdoor Afro trip, I told my 4-year -old grandson we were going in a cave. He kind of knew what a cave was from Batman, but had some questions about what might be lurking in the cave--you know, alligators, sharks, vampire bats, and other assorted monsters like in cartoon caves. After I assured him that was not the case, I realized how much of a bad rap caves have--dark, wet, scary--and I wanted to make sure this trip would help shed some light on the true nature of caves.
When Evan and I got to Laurel Caverns at noon, Latoya and her family were waiting and absolutely excited to explore the cave on the 1-hour guided tour. So we got our tickets and hopped on the next tour. We entered a small room with a lot of other people for an introduction about the cave and what we would see. Then the tour guide opened a door and cool damp air filled the room and we descended into the cave.
We wound our way down more than five stories into the mountain through a series of passageways that are sometimes wide or narrow or sloping up or down. We stopped along the way where the guide pointed to names scratched in the walls of the cave by early explorers. She told us about how caves are formed by running water eroding the rock over time, and if you are lucky enough to have a drop of water land on your head, you will have 7 years of good luck. Different chambers and rock formations in the cave have names, like the Great Hall, the Devil’s Staircase, the Sea Turtle, and the Grand Canyon. The guide told us the early explorers used these landmarks to find their way through the cave before there were maps to guide them.
I was so proud of the kids for asking the guide questions about the cave, like “what kind of animals live in the cave and what minerals could you find in the cave?” I was also proud of our youngest adventurers. They were so brave when the guide turned out the lights to show everyone how dark it really is in a cave. They never uttered a peep, but seemed relieved when the lights came back on.
Back at the surface we panned for gems and each adventurer filled a bag with gems and crystal to take home. We finished our trip with a little lesson on how to use the binoculars so we could take in the view of the valley below, and we talked about other adventures we could have outdoors in the coming months. As we piled back into ours cars to head down the mountain, it felt good to see the excitement of the children discovering the natural world and the strength within themselves to overcome their fears.
Later at my house, my grandson and I talked about the cave and the dark. We also spent some time in the little bathroom downstairs with the lights off and the faucet dripping because he said “it is like the dark cave,” demonstrating to me that there are benefits, beyond what we might anticipate, of spending time in the natural world that can change us in very profound ways.
Of Deer, Lighthouses, and the Cold War: An Outdoor Afro Adventure in a Local National Park
Written by Northern California Outdoor Afro Leader Teresa Baker
Last weekend, Outdoor Afros gathered to walk the Bonitas Lighthouse trail, and were greeted by a family of deer. While they grazed on their morning meal, we stopped and photographed this bit of stunning wildlife.
But if you also want to learn about what it takes to keep a lighthouse functioning, this is an awesome place to visit, where you can see all the moving parts.
The tunnel leading down to the lighthouse was dug by hand and what remain are the crumbling walls of the mountain surrounding the trail, which are steadily eroding into the ocean below.
Although the lighthouse itself is maintained by the coast guard, the National Park Service provides access to the public. After our time at the lighthouse, we ventured over to the only restored NIKE Missile site in the entire country.
The NIKE Missile site is the exact model of what stood in its place, during the cold war. You would never know driving by that just tucked away, in a missile bunker, sits missiles that could have destroyed everything in its wake, at the push of a button.
This missile site stood as the last line of defense against Soviet Bombers. As Ranger Al pointed out to us, just one of the six missiles on standby could destroy everything for hundreds of miles from where we stood.
Such a humbling experience to stand next to what was once considered the ultimate in military force, next to such breathtaking wild. And we found it right in our own backyard.
Click to learn more about this site, and retrace our steps!
Hooked! An Outdoor Afro Fishing Tail
By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
When the alarm went off at 6:00 am on Saturday, I was tempted to hit the snooze button. But then I remembered that I was going fishing that morning, and a familiar feeling took hold. I arose from my bed, checked the weather report, made my lunch and packed up my fishing gear. It was natural routine and one that I had repeatedly observed my Dad do throughout my childhood.
I grew up in southeastern Virginia and developed a love for the outdoors on the Chesapeake Bay. I have fond memories of my two sisters and I catching flounder with our Snoopy push button fishing rods. Although I don’t get to fish as often as I did when I was child, it’s still one of my favorite things to do with my family. Thus, I was so excited to join my Bay Area Outdoor Afro family on an adventure to Lake Chabot for Free Fishing Day.
When we gathered on the dock, I discovered that like me, many Outdoor Afros had learned a love of fishing from their parents. We at Outdoor Afro celebrate these stories because they validate our love for re-connecting black people to nature. And as evidenced by the conversations we had on Saturday, many of our relationships with the outdoors were passed down through fishing.
Sarita talked about fishing with her parents and using bamboo polls. Linda shared her techniques for cleaning fish and how to take care so that flying fish scales don’t surprise you. Moreover, we were delighted to be joined by Tip and his children.
All of them excitedly recalled previous family fishing adventures and looked forward to trying their luck at Lake Chabot.
As everyone set off to stake their spot, strangers became close friends, teachers and students. We laughed and cheered each other on as Outdoor Afros plucked up squirmy night crawlers and baited their first hooks. We all stood back as folks learned how to cast their rods. And we all enthusiastically encouraged one another, when a rod tip bent or a bobber briefly submerged.
The joy and comradery between Outdoor Afro’s made for wonderful experience. At lunch time, we collectively gathered to share our fishing reports. And as with any fun fishing adventure, each of us came back with memorable stories to share. For example, Kristin, perhaps out of eagerness to catch her lunch, instead hooked her own lunch bag!
And Sarita wowed us all with her stories of the “boatload of fish” that she tossed back. When we asked her how big the fish were, she, as many a seasoned fisherperson has done in the past, stretched her hands to her wingspan and exclaimed “This big!”
As we smirked at this “tall tale,” we also basked in all of the joys of the day. And we remembered that, as many of our parents taught us, a good day of fishing is any day of fishing.
Who taught YOU how to fish? Share with Outdoor Afro your favorite fishing tales or photos of your favorite fishing tails!
Wearing Labor Day White and Singing About Gardens
Outdoor Afro member @ebonisenai just sent us this inspirational and beautiful video of a tribute to love and living in our gardens.
With a clap-clap and wistful sound, Laura Mvula beautifully channels the lyrics of Green Garden, while calling up the ancestors and having church in a swath of golden green.
Take me outside
Into the green garden
A First Time Visit to Yosemite
Submitted by Terry Rogers-Womack, who shared with us on our Facebook page pictures so inspiring, we wanted to learn more. Today, with our hearts heavy with concern for Yosemite; its protectors and stewards, we decided to share her story about this jewel of our national heritage to inspire more caring engagement for its future. Enjoy Terry's narrative, written in her own voice.
I experienced an AWESOME summer vacation this year in Yosemite Nat’l Park! This was our first time going to Yosemite. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and my companion and I drove to Salt Lake City, Utah, picked up my sister and then drove to Yosemite. We drove west on highway 120. The winding drive into Yosemite was so beautiful.
Initially we tried to book rooms in one of the many Yosemite Park lodges, but they were all sold out. So I hesitantly booked two tent cabins in Camp Curry. It ended up as the best experience, and I would stay in the tent cabins again.
Camp Curry is in Yosemite Valley, in the middle of the redwoods, surrounded by breathtaking, mountain peaks. The tent cabins were clean with cots, sheets, wool blankets, pillows and towels. Some tents have heaters but those tents were sold out during our stay. We were there early August and were comfortable in the evening with the wool blankets.
Check out this website to learn more about the tent cabins!
Yosemite Valley provides free shuttle service which makes it very easy to get around. Most of the Yosemite sites, dining, etc. are within walking/hiking distance of Camp Curry.
While in Yosemite, we drove to Mariposa Park to see the giant sequoias, which didn’t disappoint. Mariposa Grove is 38 miles south of Yosemite, but the winding road through the wooded mountains takes about an hour. And it’s well worth the drive!
I’ve been to a few National Parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches, Badlands, Smokey Mountains, Petrified Forest, Redwoods, Zion, Bryce Canyon, etc.) but so far Yosemite is my favorite. One day I will go back, and eventually I will visit the rest of our US National Parks.
Learn more about our National Parks HERE
Out of the Office and Into the Outdoors!
Written by Bay Area Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
Outdoor Afros aren't ready to say good bye to summer yet! We've been enjoying the last few months of daylight savings time with some after work hikes. This week, we headed to Fort Funston in San Francisco. A park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fort Funston offers incredible sunsets, crisp ocean air, and heart pumping hiking trails.
Is nature part of your after work routine?
Nature Takes Center Stage on California Outdoor Afro Hike
On a recent Outdoor Afro trip to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, nature once again stole the show. On a little rocky edge of our immense ocean life has chosen to stand its ground, holding on by employing tubed feet, serrated claws, sucker disc and mucus threads which dry like cement. It huddles in cracks and crevices, under stone, and even shallow depressions on the lee side of rock provides just enough protection against powerful tidal waves to give an organism a narrow margin of success.
And when the tide finally is in, life has to be ready to take full advantage of our favorite liquid, unfurling 'arms, legs', tongues and tentacles, to reach out and catch hold of any edible plankton or particles that float by on the current.
This period of time when the tide is in and the waves are flying overhead is in a sense, an easier time. Water is available and the sun and wind are not beating down threatening to dry and fry these water-loving organisms. But they are never completely safe. A fast moving fish can come up and pluck a inattentive limpet off the rock.
A hungry seal is keen to dine on open clams and mussels while they, in turn, feed on our precious ocean soup. And starfish are on the move eating just about anything they can grab in their slow-motion pursuit. When we look into tide pools we can imagine beautiful aquariums of plants and animals with their amazing colors, shapes and patterns.
But these are simply the crowning after-effects of organisms that have adapted to the extreme conditions of the oceans edge.
They've conditioned themselves to hunker down when times are tough, the tide is out and the sun and wind threaten to wick every ounce of water from the body. And when times are good, the tide is in and food is available; these organisms have adapted to moving forward, reaching out and feeding judiciously. Taking advantage of the bounty while making sure they are not on the menu themselves. In our beautiful tide pools, these are truly adaptations for success.