Rededication of Allensworth State Park

Posted October 24, 2009 at by David Ofwono, President.

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Category: Article

Our trip to Allensworth was a great success! Although we did not have kids from Los Banos with us we were met at the Park by supporters from other communities who had heard of the field trip and decided to join us on their own. The caretakers of the Park gave us a warm welcome and we, (the Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers) were asked to present the Colors at the ceremony. A high Honor indeed, one we were humbled by.

We also collected over 100 signatures on the Petition to promote Charles Young to Brigadier General.

For those of you who have never been to Allensworth, I must tell you that it is worth the trip. The fact that the Town still stands is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the folks before us and present who work to preserve it now.

I was humbled to stand in the very school that Colonel Allensworth established! That School to me is the symbol of all that we as a people are striving to maintain. It is a symbol of what we the Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers Association believe in and promote.

EQUALITY! Through education all people are equal. In this great nation of ours we ALL have the same opportunity to achieve whatever we want to.  All we need is the same opportunity at education as everyone else, and the desire to do something positive with our lives.

Our Association uses the Buffalo Soldiers as an example for today’s youth to emulate. For those who feel that today’s society has stacked the deck against them because of their race, those who feel that the foul mouthed, violence oriented celebrities are the model to emulate, those who feel that the world OWES them success, just because of their race. We point out how it REALLY was, how not that long ago people of all races were discriminated against in society and how not that long ago, THEY would not of had the opportunity at an education, never mind the REAL chance to become whatever they want to be including, The President of the United States.

I want to thank all of you who attended the re-dedication Ceremony. PLEASE spread the word, especially to our Youth. We need as many School kids as possible to visit and experience the History of Allensworth. This is a Park that  SHOULD NOT even be considered for closure! Budget or not.

It is a piece of living breathing History!  A reminder of how far we have come.

I encourage everyone to visit the Park and see and experience for yourself the sheer power of  positive thinking! The Men and Women who Established Allensworth were working against forces that today’s children, (and a large segment of  today’s society) have very little or no concept of. Here is a place were you step out of the History books and it’s REAL!

Allensworth is a VERY important part of American and California History. We cannot allow it to EVER be closed!

Allensworth Field Trip - Update

Posted October 4, 2009 at by David Ofwono, President.

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Category: Article

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With regret the Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers Association (LBBSA) has cancelled the Los Banos Community Student Field Trip for the rededication Ceremony at Colonel Allensworth State Park.

However, we encourage anyone still interested in attending the Rededication Ceremony on October 10th, please do so.

The LBBSA sincerely appreciates the cooperation and support of the Los Banos Unified School District and Dr. Steve Tiejen the District Superintendent in particular by supporting us in this endeavor to provide a unique learning experience of regional, state and national history to our young people. The Los Banos School district was providing the Bus, Driver and Box Lunches for the Trip Unfortunately not enough of our community wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about this little known or understood slice of American history.

There was however significant interest from Students and parents from other communities who wanted to go on this Trip but due to Liability issues the Los Banos School District is unable to support Students and Chaperones from outside of Los Banos. Hopefully this State Park will remain open for those who understand its significance. It came close to being shut down due to budget problems the State is having.

The Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers Association along with various supporters and interested individuals will still be attending the ceremony on October 10th. We invite anyone who is interested in joining us to do so. Please  meet us in the Los Banos Wal-Mart parking Lot, October 10th @ 7:00 am; we’ll depart the Wal-Mart Parking lot at 7:30.

Please join us on this Historic day to celebrate the achievements of a true American Pioneer, a Buffalo Soldier, and an Educator who believed that through the power of Education ALL people are equal.  If you’re unable to attend please visit  our State Parks website and Via Magazine for stories on Col Allensworth State Historic Park where history comes alive.