In celebration of Black History Month, the Allensworth Historic Cemetery Committee (AHCC) hosted its first inaugural l Black History event. The event was titled “The Art of Freedom: Day of Truth Telling,” which brought together a series of speakers, performers, educators, and local resources from across California to those in attendance.
The community-based celebration was based on the themes of knowing your past and honoring the present, in order grow your future. Workshops were held to provide historical reflections and educate on the importance of truth-telling.
Tekoah Kadara, with the Allensworth Progressive Association (APA), began the event with a brief invocation thanking the indigenous peoples who first lived on the lands. He thanked the Mexican and Filipino leaders for their efforts in fighting for civil rights for farm workers.
“We can fight for what’s right together, and we can build better futures together,” said Kadara.
To kick off the event, Kadara invited Pastor Melvin Santiel from the Allensworth Christian Church, who led audience members in a short prayer. Santiel emphasized the growth he sees in Allensworth and the rest of the country.
“We’ve seen some things come, we’ve seen some things go, but what I see today, I see growth, I see change, and I see future,” said the pastor.
In a complex time, where black and brown communities are facing erasure of their history due to federal demands, events like this play a vital role in preserving and educating communities’ stories.
For example, Charles Allensworth, great-great-nephew of Colonel Allen Allensworth, noted why Black History Month is now more significant than before, due to the current agenda to end DEI courses and history.
“This year brings together historic milestones and present-day challenges that underscore why these commemorations remain essential,” he said “These celebrations affirm our rights and our responsibility to uphold the truth.”
At federal sites and national parks, the Trump administration has called to remove any references to slavery. Recently, in Philadelphia, the president demanded that a panel regarding slavery be removed from Independence Hall.
In the educational setting, a legislature introduced bills banning critical race theory and the discussion of systemic racism in educational institutions.
“Protecting black history in our schools, libraries, and public spaces is essential to protecting democracy itself. This moment calls for historical accuracy as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary,” explained Allensworth.
It wasn’t until 1975, when he was registering for classes over at the City College of San Francisco that the registrar saw his last name and thus began the research of his name and family history.
“We must be sure that the story we tell about the nation includes the voices, labor, struggles, and contributions of black Americans. Not as footnotes but central chapters,” said Allensworth.
Giselle De La Cerda, a student at Stanford University and Central Valley native, was among many who traveled to Allensworth to learn about its history.
De La Cerda, previously connected with the APA through regenerative farming, where they discussed building sustainable food systems.
She explained the excitement in learning from all the different speakers.
“I’m really excited to hear the speakers and connect with the community and other people who are here to celebrate Black History Month and the legacy of blackness in the state and how we can work together and envision a future for Allensworth,” said De la Cerda.
Allison Hersch,a professor at the University of Southern California School of Architecture and director of the landscape architecture program, has been working alongside the AHCC, shes helped with the preservation rights towards the cemetery and more.
Hersch explained how she was excited to hear from Dr. Ashley Adams, who brought in the archival history of Allensworth.
