Executive Director Blog
Lowell Perry
Message from Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Director, Lowell Perry Jr.
DR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR: A Better Understanding of a True American Hero
As you know, February is Black History Month. Black history is American history. The contributions of African Americans to the story of this country are immeasurable. This includes literally building Washington D.C., as well as our national economy, as forced and enslaved labor. Many citizens are not aware of much of these contributions because these parts of American history have regrettably, not been taught in our schools. It is also unfortunate that this omission was not an accident. If you are indeed a student of history, make a concerted effort to learn more about the important role of Black people in the American story.
One good place to start if you want to raise your history IQ is the work of a true American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, please do not rush to join the chorus of hypocrites who love to quote Dr. King around his birthday, and this month, using out of context selective snippets from the iconic I Have a Dream speech. I use the word hypocrite given many will utter words from the speech, but then turn around and support public policy that is the antithesis of the message and the man. That speech was a call for freedom and equality, a quest that is still a work in progress.
If you really want a peek into history, and into the mind and mission of this man of God, then you owe it to yourself to read the Letter from Birmingham Jail. This eloquent missive, regarded by some as a revelation and a chronicle of the struggle of African Americans then and now, as protagonists in the American story. Dr. King’s prophetic words ring just as loudly, if not more so today. It may well be one of the best examples of what he stood for, his skill as a writer, and why he is an esteemed American hero. Follow this link to experience riveting historic prose from a King: https://www.csuchico.edu/iege/_assets/documents/susi-letter-from-birmingham-jail.pdf
The YCNHA is also happy to share some local Yuma history in this video snippet from an interview with Mr. Leroy Dees: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hTzlaNe0WN0ntodmIx4ZsQM2GG3Kihun/view?usp=sharing
Happy BHM
Colorado River State Historic Park
Colorado River State Historic Park hosted the Christmas on the Colorado event in December 2021. Children were able to enjoy different craft stations, ride a train through park grounds, take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa, have their face painted, enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn and end the evening with a movie on lawn.
The Colorado River State Historic Park kicked off the new year with a sidewalk chalk art contest. Each participant was given one box of multi-colored chalk and assigned one sidewalk segment to decorate. All children ages 5 and under received an Honorable Mention ribbon. Judges chose first, second, and third place winners for the following categories: ages 6-7, ages 8-10, ages 11-14 and families.
The Colorado River State Historic Park had the assistance of the MCAS Wing Support Squadron #371 to convert all lamp posts throughout the park grounds to LED lighting. This project was to allow the park to have energy efficient lighting and to allow the Marines to do outside training in the community.
The Colorado River State Historic Park hosted a grand opening of a new exhibit space within the Quartermaster’s Office building on the park grounds. The exhibit includes four new interpretive panels, a mini-documentary on the Quechan ties to the Colorado River, and new exhibit cases.
During the Indian Wars, the U.S. Army and the western tribes fought for control of the land, ultimately leading to profound cultural changes within the tribes. The exhibit is designed specifically to bring the Quechan perspective and voice to these changes.
“We are really excited to be able to curate this new exhibit in cooperation with the Quechan Tribe. The legacy of the Indians Wars at the Yuma Crossing is their story to tell, and it is a story that has too long been neglected at the park,” said Park Manager Tammy Snook.
Themes explored within the new exhibit include the conflicts between the U.S. Army and the Quechan, the creation of the Quechan Reservation and subsequent land challenges, the period of forced boarding school education that followed, and the resilience of the Quechan Tribe today.
This exhibit was made possible through a $5,000 grant from Arizona Humanities to the Colorado River State Historic Park. Additional exhibit support was provided by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and the National Park Service.
The Colorado River Park is home to the historic Yuma Quartermaster Depot, an Army Supply depot that operated from 1865-1883 during the Indian Wars of Arizona. The depot played an instrumental role in the post-native development of the Yuma area and beyond.
For more information, please contact Tammy Snook at (928) 329-0471.
Yuma East Wetlands
The YEW crew has been busy weeding, trimming, clearing and chipping debris throughout the East Wetlands and is gearing up to begin irrigation operations in March. Additionally, the YEW crew and manager’s hard work to update the wetland operation’s safety program resulted in a passing grade of “outstanding” from the City of Yuma safety inspector.
On February 10th, Jesus Melendrez and Cathy Douglas were invited to present the Yuma East Wetlands Invasive Species Removal and Habitat Restoration project at the Southwest Vegetation Management Association’s spring conference. With grant funding received from the AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management (AZDFFM), invasive salt cedar and phragmites were removed and native trees and shrub species were established within 17.2 acres of the Yuma East Wetlands. This project occurred in 2020 – 2021 on Quechan tribal land and was designed to reduce water consumption, to reduce fire hazard, and to enhance riparian habitat for wildlife. This project was also featured in the May 1, 2020 issue of the National Audubon Society’s Western Water News, – Native Plants Help Restore the Colorado River | Audubon. YCNHA would like to thank AZDFFM for their continued support of Yuma’s riverfront projects!
The Arizona Office of Tourism awarded an Outdoor Recreation Revitalization grant to the City of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department and Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. Grant funding will provide kayaking equipment for the P&R department to reinvigorate a kayaking on the Colorado River recreation program, as well as trail enhancements and a shade structure on a, soon-to-be developed, wildlife viewing overlook at the Sunset View Wildlife Area nature park at Yuma East Wetlands.
Plans are underway to create an “Adopt-a-Trail” volunteer program at Yuma East Wetlands. With funding assistance received from the Arizona Community Foundation, YCNHA will soon be looking for volunteer groups to help maintain the trails and surrounding areas at the wetlands by adopting a trail section. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please reach out to Jesus Melendrez at Jesus.Melendrez@yumaaz.gov
Community Outreach
The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area thanked Brian Golding for his years of leadership as the YCNHA's Board Chair. Over the last decade Brian has served on the Yuma Crossing NHA board and worked with the staff to develop the Yuma East Wetlands. We are very thankful for Brian's support, guidance and dedication to this organization and revitalizing the Colorado Riverfront.
