At Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, inside the First Baptist Church, a special event was held on Saturday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On December 6, 1865, states across the country officially brought an end to slavery and involuntary servitude and recognized the 13th Amendment, which led to the freedom of over 4 million enslaved men and women.

The town of Allensworth became the first black governing community in the state of California and one of the few in the United States. Allensworth, rich in its history, continues to preserve its geographical location, offering events that teach the community about its history.

Attendees heard selections from C. Anthony Bush’s Battle Hymn of a Freedman, a collection of songs honoring the United States Colored Troops (USCT) soldiers whose roles were significant during the Civil War. 

Brief lectures were also given during the immersion, explaining each selection of songs. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Murray, Clarence Anthony Bush on drums, and pianist George Burton performed songs. 

Brishette Mendoza, the event organizer, gave a brief historical lesson on the misconception that the Emancipation Proclamation, written by President Lincoln, was what led to the freedom of slaves. 

“The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves within the rebellion states are henceforth shall be freed. It was a war measure,” read Mendonza. “Thus, when the president announced to the world that his primary goal was not to eliminate slavery but to end the Civil War.”

Sherry Hunter,  president of the Allensworth Community Service District (ACSD), was one of the 50 people in attendance who learned something new about the 13th Amendment. Hunter shared the significance this event holds for everyone, explaining that not many people have access to this information. 

Hunter acknowledged how she, as a senior citizen, had this information and context regarding the 13th Amendment and the historical document written by Lincoln. But she worries that younger generations may not fully grasp how recent and relevant this history is.

“There’s a lot of young people that don’t even know how fresh all this was. You may think in terms of 200 or 300 years ago, but in reality, a lot of things that happened then are still happening now,” shared Hunter. “It’s systemic. Back then, it was in your face. Now it’s systemic, so it’s important to know this history.”

Since being re-elected as president, the Trump Administration has targeted and removed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) federal programs that recognize the contributions and history of people of color. 

Von Bush, a high school history teacher, was one of the few speakers at the event. Bush emphasized the importance of education and keeping history alive. He noted that though he is a Central Valley native, he did not learn about the city of Allensworth until he went to college and recognised the gaps in the education system. Bush also praised the community of Allensworth, noting their strength in preserving their town.

“What stood out to me about Allensworth and this self-sufficient community was how strong educators who are academically inclined and business-savvy entrepreneurs developed this community,” shared Bush. “Education is a strong symbol that tells us what this community values is what is most valuable to us now in the present day. Education is a fundamental right that is currently under attack by the current administration.”

The educator explained that learning about Allensworth brings a sense of pride that cannot be bought, stolen, or exploited.

“Learning about Allensworth brings pride to the family, to the descendants of people who struck around here and did the thing and were brave enough in the face of severe adversity and are still here doing the work,” stated Bush. 

Martha Napoles, a resident of Los Angeles County, traveled to Allensworth to attend the event and shared that this was her first time visiting the Central Valley. She shared the significance of having events like these in the community. 

“At the end of the day, we’re all minorities, and coming here and showing support as a Latina is important because without the 13th Amendment, we wouldn’t be in the position we are in today. We wouldn’t have the rights that we have today,” said Napoles.