Charles Allensworth, great-great-nephew of Colonel Allen Allensworth.
In 1908, Allesnworth became the first and only town in California to be governed by African Americans. Since its establishment, the city has continued to demonstrate its perseverance and dedication to preserving its history and community.
Portions of the town, such as Colonel Allensworth Historical Park, are protected and continue to be preserved in their best original nature, as it has been registered under the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical landmarks are typically preserved to the best of their ability; however, the Allensworth cemetery lacked preservation efforts, resulting in the removal of historic grave markers.
Saturday, out of the 42 gravestones they found, only four had gravemarkers. The graves are said to belong to some of the early educators of the town. The Allensworth Community Services District (ACSD) is raising funds to organize a memorial ball to honor those buried in the cemetery.
The event held two main focuses: the groundbreaking ceremony and the fall festival, welcoming community and residents to gather and participate in a cultural exchange of celebrations.
The program dedication for Allensworth Historic Cemetery began with instrumental music of the ancestors, followed by a series of significant keynote speakers. The Tachi Yokut tribe gave an open blessing to attendees and blessed the land. Prayers were shortly given after by religious leaders from the community.
Community members joined together shortly after to listen and sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson. The song discusses the resilience, strength, and hope of African Americans.
Tekoah Kadara, Acting Co-Director of the Allensworth Progressive Association (APA), shared his declaration of solidarity.
“We recognize Colonel Allen Allensworth and those who have paved the way for self-determination here in California. We recognize Larry Itliong, Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and the Filipino and Mexican farmers who joined forces to lead the Delano Grape Strike. A true example of solidarity and organizing in the Central Valley,” said Kadara.
Kadara, in his speech, recognized the importance of naming the harms rather than blaming counterparts because of history.
“We’re able to track the lessons learned along the way and refrain from making the same mistakes. We’re able to see clearly that any tensions between our indigenous, our Mexican, our Filipino, and our African American relatives were not organic. They were manufactured by the insecure imperialist tricksters,” added Kadara.
The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club (NABSTMC) was in attendance and gave a brief presentation of who they are, and honored Colonel Allensworth’s efforts and the first pioneers of the land. The establishment of the NABSMC serves to honor and celebrate the legacy of the African Americans who contributed to the military.
Members of the NABSMC-California Chapter explained to attendees that the original buffalo soldiers served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War and were given their names by the Indigenous peoples of the area.
“Being buried with one’s family is a way to maintain a connection with one’s lineage to honor ancestors. So what is being done here in this time and in this place is of the utmost significance, and we are honored to support you in what you are doing,” said a spokesperson for NABSMC.
Charles Allensworth, descendant of Colonel Allensworth, acknowledged the public and thanked the APA for the invitation. Allensworth expressed his disbelief before beginning his speech.
“Wow, that’s all I can say at this moment. It’s a little emotional for me, having known how long this
sacred place and space have been neglected and unkept. But today, today is the day that we’re gonna change that. I am thankful to be invited to this dedication and celebration with making this sacred place and space what it was intended to be,” said Allensworth.
Sherry Hunter addressing attendees, John Pope ACSD Treasure stands on the right watching Hunter.
Sherry Hunter, ACSD President, expressed her gratitude for those in attendance. Hunter acknowledged the battle of restoring and researching the cemetery. Hunter also explained the journey it’s taken to get the cemetery returned to the community.
“So many generations before me tried to get this cemetery returned, but it never happened. My mother, Nedi Morrison, kicked up enough dust, and when she died in 2018, they said, “Give them that cemetery. When they gave us the cemetery, they did not give us a dime,” added Hunter.
Community members were later invited to join and place crosses donated by Diane Mingo on the graves.
NABSMC member places a cross next to the gravestone.
The ACSD has been able to raise $400,000 for the restoration of the historic cemetery. They are still seeking additional funding to write a national register nomination for the cemetery and to plan long-term preservation and care.
To donate, people can click on the link here Allensworth Historic Cemetery Donations
