Friends of Allensworth Los Angeles Chapter

Friends of Allensworth - Los Angeles Chapter

"The Legacy of continuing the Colonel's dream"

Allensworth was created to provide Afro-Americans an opportunity to develop a town that was free of discrimination. Its emphasis was the development of a community that was governed, financed and operated by Afro-Americans.

The state has approximately 300 park units and relies on the support of volunteers to promote and educate the general public of the specifics of each unit. The volunteer units are typically called Cooperating Associations and are recognized as the primary provider for volunteer. The Friends of Allensworth was originated in the mid '80's under the leadership of Mrs. Nettie Morrison. Since her planting, for over a decade the leadership has been guided by Mr. George Finley.

Most park units have one cooperating association. During the late '80's as park visitation was declining, Mr. Finley and the "Friends" saw a need to broaden their network of the general public who might appreciate what Allensworth had to offer, but more important could attract visitors which could be used to justify the park unit to the State. During that turbulent period, the State with dwindling resources was closing parks, as the primary criteria was visitation. Allensworth faced many obstacles, the most important was its remote location which offered very little visitor accommodation.

In 1987-1988, the California Afro-American museum in Los Angeles hosted, "Allensworth An Enduring Dream." This six month exhibit caught the attention of many, in particular, Fred and Judith Thomas, who resided in West Adams were perplexed to hear about Allensworth and its closeness to Los Angeles. They first met Bill and Susie Smith who informed them of the "Friends" and their regular meeting held the second Saturday of each month. Upon meeting the small, yet dedicated army of Allensworth supporters, the Thomas' understood the plight and wanted to respect the current operation, as many have come to Allensworth attempting to invoke their own style, with little regard of respecting what was already in place.

The Thomas' agreed to spearhead a movement in the Los Angeles area with the sole task of immediately increasing visitation and showing the state that African-Americans were indeed concerned about historic monuments. What appeared as a simple task was like performing delicate surgery as while many had heard about Allensworth, there were ill-feelings among supporters.

The first meeting in 1989 seemed so innocent and nobody knew what to expect but it generated renewed commitment from those who new about Allensworth and providing Los Angeles with a legitimate vehicle to increase knowledge about Allensworth.

The inaugural meeting was held Friday night and as the story would unwound had a stellar audience. Coming from the north to kick off the meeting was George Finley who was joined by Ranger Phil Hill and Superintendent Kathy Franklin. In addition to the Thomas', their was Mrs. Josephine Smith, who is the Colonel's granddaughter, as well as a person from the Afro-American museum. There were others in attendance, whose names are being researched so they may be rightfully included in this piece of history.

some of the factual material mentioned was excerpted from Allensworth "An Enduring Dream" pub. 1987 and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park General Development Plan pub. 1976

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