The African American Student Social Work Association, in partnership with the Department of Social Work Education at Fresno State, will host the inaugural Taste of Freedom event, lauded as Fresno’s First African American Living History Day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Fresno State.
The free, public event is open to all members of the community. It will be held on the grass field north of the Fresno State Aquatic Center and adjacent to Margie Wright Diamond (near Cedar and Barstow avenues). The event will celebrate the contributions of African Americans and Buffalo soldiers in the Old West – from the late 1800s to the early 1900s post-Civil War.
Attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with living historians and reenactors portraying historical and notable figures of that time, including Cathay Williams, the first African American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army; Biddy Mason, a former slave who ended up buying her own freedom and went on to become one of the first female African American entrepreneurs and landowners; Bass Reeves, one of the first African American deputy U.S. marshals; and Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the U.S.
Uniformed historians will be on hand to offer insight into the lifestyles of significant cowboys, iron riders and buffalo soldiers of that time, including Isom Dart, an infamous outlaw and cowboy, and Nat Love, a well-known cowboy and writer.
At the time, African American cowboys were an essential part of the frontier workforce. Many were former slaves who utilized their skills in livestock, riding horses and herding and wrangling cattle to become successful cowboys, ranchers and soldiers.
Event organizers hope the event brings the community to campus, including youth who may be interested in this particular time in history and also those who would like to experience the Fresno State campus.
“Students and the general public appear to attain more knowledge about history through events like this, where they can ‘time-travel’ and pose questions,” said Dr. Cheryl Whittle, professor in the Department of Social Work Education and planning committee chair. “Through its continuing partnership with local museums, schools and with community and civil leaders, the university has proven its dedication to promoting the rich history of California and the role of various communities. Like the old adage states: ’people who do not know their history, do not know who they are.’”
In addition to living historians, the event will also have hands-on demonstrations, educational workshops, live folk musicians, food vendors, artisans and resources from Fresno State’s various departments and programs.
The Biddy Mason traveling exhibit from the The Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation and Museum of the Sierra will also have their “Buffalo Soldiers: Digital Exhibit Launch” on display.
Students from the African American Social Work Student Association took the lead in coordinating and fundraising for the event and have been planning the event since the fall semester. Funds for this event were also provided by Associated Students, Inc.
Free parking is available in Lot P20, just north of the aquatics center. For more information and ADA accommodations, contact Dr. Cheryl Whittle at cherylw@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.8687.
