Rededication of Allensworth State Park

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

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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!