February 2020: Commemorating 400 Years of African American History

February: Commemorating 400 Years of African American History


The first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America were brought to Virginia more than 400 years ago. Despite constant adversity throughout American history, African American culture and heritage strengthened each generation.

In 2019 and 2020, the National Park Service is commemorating a significant moment in American history: the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America and 400 years of African American history that followed. As the nation recognizes the achievements, contributions, and historical journeys of African Americans, we can highlight the history and cultural heritage shared within our parks and in communities through the work of our programs and partners.
  • Use the month to spotlight the African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, York.
  • Showcase objects or artifacts in your museum collection important to the African American experience.
  • Share trip ideas that visitors can use to learn about African American history within parks or communities.

Featured NPS.gov/lecl Webpages

York
This page features several articles on York. Each of these would be a great feature to share on your social media channels. If you post the text below onto Facebook, the link should include the photograph from the article.

Looking for something ready-made to share?

Sample posts:
York, a slave of William Clark, is a remarkable yet mysterious part of the Expedition. Little is actually known about him, and what we do know is primarily revealed through the journals or correspondence by Clark. #LewisandClarkTrail
Read more: https://www.nps.gov/articles/york-s-early-life.htm

In 1784, an enslaved boy was assigned to be 14-year-old William Clark’s personal “body servant.” Like many slaves, the boy didn’t have a legal right to a last name, so he was known just as York. #LewisandClarkTrail
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/articles/york-as-clark-s-body-servant.htm

York, William Clark’s personal slave, is noted several times in the journal writings as being a concerned caregiver. He not only nursed Charles Floyd prior to the sergeant’s untimely death in August 1804, he is also documented as helping his master in June 1804. #LewisandClarkTrail
More: https://www.nps.gov/articles/york-cares-for-clark.htm

Despite his many contributions to the Corps of Discovery, Clark refused to release York from bondage upon their return to St. Louis in 1806. What do we know about York after the expedition? #LewisandClarkTrail https://www.nps.gov/articles/york-after-the-lewis-and-clark-expedition.htm

We are always looking to increase the quality of the information on the official Trail webpage. If you have trails or other recreational opportunities at your site you would like featured, email a short write up and high quality photo to e-mail us

Social Media hashtags: #LewisandClarkTrail

Last updated: January 28, 2020

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