Barack Obama’s Impact on Public Lands
President Obama's use of the Omnibus Land Management and Antiquities Act led to the creation of new national parks and conservation areas, protecting millions of acres of land across the United States. His efforts have helped to preserve natural resources for future generations and promote environmental protection, leaving a lasting legacy of conservation.
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Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, is well-known for his passion for the outdoors and his dedication to preserving America's public lands. During his two terms in office, Obama made it a priority to protect and promote public lands, leaving behind a significant legacy that has helped to ensure these lands will be preserved for future generations.
As President, Obama made it a priority to protect and promote public lands, recognizing the critical role they play in preserving the natural beauty of our country and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Obama's Efforts to Promote Public Lands
One of Obama's most significant contributions to public lands was his "America's Great Outdoors" initiative. Launched in 2010, this initiative aimed to promote conservation and outdoor recreation by creating new parks and protected areas, increasing public access to existing lands, and engaging young people in outdoor activities.
Under Obama's leadership, the National Park Service also saw significant improvements, focusing on expanding and enhancing park infrastructure and increasing public access to parks. Obama worked to establish new parks and protected areas. He also used his executive authority to protect millions of acres of public lands.
Obama also supported several key pieces of legislation related to public lands. In 2009, he signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which designated more than two million acres of wilderness and created several new national parks and wildlife refuges. He also used the Antiquities Act to protect several significant public lands.
Contributions
Obama’s support of the Omnibus Land Management and Antiquities Act led to the establishment of multiple grant programs. These grant programs are intended to help fund projects that conserve and protect natural and cultural resources while providing economic and recreational benefits to local communities. The Omnibus Land Management and Antiquities Act also provided vital funds for the development of trails and other outdoor recreation activities.
Under Obama’s Administration, the American Great Outdoors Initiative continued the promotion of conservation and outdoor recreation. The key aim of the American Great Outdoors Initiative was to promote the preservation of natural resources and features for the enjoyment of future generations. This initiative put preservation, conservation, and promotion of the American outdoors front and center.
Conclusion
Obama has played a key role in expanding public lands and thus protecting them for future generations. And while there is debate regarding the use of this land and whether or not the land should be under federal control, his efforts to promote conservation, increase public access to parks, and engage young people in outdoor recreation have created a lasting impact on public lands across the country.
In summary, Barack Obama's passion for public lands and his dedication to conservation have left a lasting legacy that has helped to ensure the preservation of these lands for future generations. His work to create new parks and protected areas, expand park infrastructure, and promote outdoor recreation has made a significant impact on public lands across the country. As we celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the contributions of African Americans to our country's legacy, it is important to recognize Obama's role in preserving our natural resources and promoting access to public lands for all Americans.
Turkiya Lowe: The First Black and Female Chief Historian of the National Park Service
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the National Park Service as the first African American Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer have been instrumental in preserving important landmarks and historic sites. Her work has been significant not only for African Americans, but for all Americans who value cultural heritage and representation.
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Even today, African Americans continue to blaze new trails and make history in various fields. One example is Turkiya Lowe, the first Black and female Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer of the National Park Service (NPS). Her achievements in the field of history have made significant contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history.
Turkiya Lowe earned her Ph.D. in History in 2010 and has nearly two decades of experience working in the National Park Service. Before she was appointed Chief Historian in 2017, she served as the Southeast Region Chief Historian and Chief for the Southeast Region’s Cultural Resource Research and Science Branch. She oversaw the region-wide History and Cultural Anthropology Programs for 70 National Parks in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her portfolio included assisting state and local governments, private organizations, and individual stewards in identifying, protecting, and preserving essential places through the National Historic Landmarks Program, the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Surplus Property Program, and other NPS community partnership programs.
Turkiya Lowe has contributed significantly to the NPS and the field of history. As the Southeast Region Chief Historian, she oversaw the development and implementation of numerous history programs, projects, and research initiatives. She also served as a subject matter expert on history projects undertaken within the National Park Service, such as administrative histories of specific parks and programs and national register of historic places nominations. Her facilitation responsibility includes forging formal and informal partnerships with professional historical associations, cultural resources management organizations, and independent scholars.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the field of history have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history. Through her work in the National Park Service, she has ensured that historic places that are physical manifestations of past events are preserved for others to experience and enjoy. Her expertise has also helped create interpretive content and educational programs presented in parks, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the vital role that Black Americans played in shaping our nation's history.
Turkiya Lowe's contributions to the preservation and representation of Black history are significant because they help address the lack of representation and visibility of Black Americans in historical narratives. Her work ensures that important aspects of Black history are preserved and celebrated, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Moreover, her appointment as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service is a significant milestone that inspires and empowers future generations of Black historians and trailblazers.
Turkiya Lowe's achievements as the first Black and female Chief Historian of the National Park Service have paved the way for greater Black representation in the field of history. Her contributions have helped preserve and represent important aspects of Black history, providing opportunities for Black Americans to connect with their past and gain a deeper understanding of their place in American history. Turkiya Lowe is a trailblazer and an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Bessie Coleman: Trailblazing African American Aviator
Bessie Coleman’s contributions to aviation and civil rights continue to inspire people today. Her achievements proved that anything is possible with hard work and determination, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Bessie’s legacy is a testament to the perseverance of African American women and an inspiration to all who face adversity.
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Despite facing numerous obstacles due to her race and gender, Bessie Coleman became one of the most famous aviators of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.
Who Was Bessie Coleman?
Bessie was born in Texas in 1892, one of thirteen children. She grew up in a world where African Americans faced intense discrimination and segregation, and her family struggled to make ends meet. Despite this, Bessie was determined to get an education, and she attended a one-room schoolhouse before moving to Oklahoma to attend college.
In 1915, Bessie Coleman moved to Chicago to live with her brothers, where she began working as a manicurist in a barber shop. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Bessie was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She began attending night classes to improve her reading and writing skills and saved money for flight school by working two jobs.
Earning Her Wings
Bessie was denied admission to American flight schools because of her race and gender, but she did not give up. She learned about flight schools in France that accepted women and people of color and began taking French lessons at the Berlitz School in Chicago. After saving enough money, Bessie moved to France in 1920 to attend the Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France. She earned her pilot's license in just seven months, becoming the first African American woman to earn an international pilot's license.
Despite her passion for learning and aviation, Bessie faced many obstacles due to her race and gender. She was denied entry to flight schools in the United States, so she went to France to pursue her dreams. There, she earned her pilot’s license, becoming the first African American woman to do so.
Lasting Impact
After gaining her pilot’s license, Bessie began performing in air shows around the country and inspiring countless people with her skill and bravery. She also used her platform to advocate for equal rights, hoping to break down barriers for future generations.
Bessie’s contributions to aviation and civil rights continue to inspire people today. Her achievements proved that anything is possible with hard work and determination, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Bessie’s legacy is a testament to the perseverance of African American women and an inspiration to all who face adversity.
Bessie Coleman’s life and achievements continue to inspire people today. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, anything is possible with hard work and determination. Bessie’s legacy is a testament to the perseverance of African American women and the power of the human spirit.
Stephen Bishop - Respected Cave Guide
Stephen Bishop was a slave who gained worldwide recognition for his skills as an explorer and guide in Mammoth Cave. He was one of the first people to map the extensive cave system and he named many of the features that are still used today. Despite the racism and discrimination he faced during his lifetime, he persevered and became a celebrated figure in the world of cave exploration. Discover more about Stephen Bishop's remarkable life and legacy.
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As time passes, we must remember our history and those who stood before us. Today, I want to talk about one of those people – Stephen Bishop. Stephen Bishop was an African American slave who was tasked with the job of being a cave guide in the mid-19th century. He was known for his knowledge and expertise in exploring the Mammoth Cave system, now the primary attraction of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. If you have ever visited Mammoth Cave National Park, as I have multiple times, it is easy to see why this is so impressive.
Stephen Bishop was born into slavery in Kentucky in 1821. As with most slaves, Stephen was considered to be the property of his owner, Franklin Gorin. Gorgin, a lawyer, brought Stephen to the Mammoth Cave to serve as a cave guide for what he hoped to become a tourist attraction. Through his work, Stephen explored, discovered, and documented many parts of the cave we know about today.
Stephen Bishop became an expert on the Mammoth Cave system during his time as a guide and explorer. He was known for his knowledge and experience in navigating the complex and challenging underground system. This expertise allowed him to make important contributions to the field of cave exploration and to leave a lasting impact on the world. Even more impressive, Bishop did all his exploring with just a lantern.
Stephen Bishop (Courtesy of NPS.gov)
Stephen’s expertise did not go unnoticed during the 1800s. Stephen was sought out by scientists and geologists because of his vast knowledge of both the caves and his familiarity with geology and minerals. This gained him much respect in spite of his position in life.
Legacy
Stephen Bishop made many important discoveries and contributions to the field of cave exploration. He was a key figure in mapping and exploring the Mammoth Cave system, and his work helped bolster our understanding of this important natural resource. One of Stephen Bishop's greatest achievements was the discovery of the "Echo River" within the Mammoth Cave system. This was a significant finding that added to our understanding of the complex and intricate underground network of caves.
Stephen Bishop should be recognized and celebrated for his bravery, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles. The maps he created from memory served as accurate guides to the cave system even after modern machinery and mapping techniques were developed. Bishop’s time as a guide in Mammoth Cave led him to become an expert in his field during a time when he was seen as property by most rather than a man with great knowledge and expertise. His contributions deserve celebration not only due to his condition but because he personified everything we think of regarding exploration.
Further Reading
York - A Key Figure in US Exploration
York, an African American explorer, was an essential member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, providing valuable skills and knowledge that helped the team complete one of the most important journeys of exploration in American history. Despite facing racism and discrimination, York's contributions to the Expedition played a crucial role in the team's success and helped shape the history of the American West.
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York was a vital member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, credited with exploring the newly purchased Louisiana Purchase. As with many Black individuals throughout history, York’s contributions to the expedition are not widely known and respected. His story must be told, as it is a story of perseverance and bravery which inspire exploration.
Who was York?
York was an enslaved Black man who accompanied William Clark on the Lewis and Clark expeditions from 1804 to 1806. York was born in Virginia in the 1770s and was the property of William Clark's father, John. When William Clark was just a young boy, he and York became close friends, and their relationship continued to grow as they grew older.
York’s Contributions
York played a critical role in the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition. As William Clark's slave, he was one of the few Black individuals to travel to the Pacific Ocean and back in the early 19th century. During the expedition, York contributed in various ways. For example, his hunting and gathering skills proved to be essential to the survival of the expedition team. He hunted game and collected wild edibles, which provided valuable sustenance during times of scarcity.
York also had a talent for diplomacy and was able to communicate with several Native American tribes that the expedition encountered. He played an important role in establishing peaceful relations and trade with some of these tribes.
Statue of York
York helped build forts and portage around waterfalls, rapids, and other obstacles, and he also helped maintain the expedition's equipment and supplies. Additionally, York's presence on the expedition provided a unique perspective and challenged the explorers' racial assumptions. He was exposed to new cultures and ways of life, and the expedition benefited from his diverse experiences and insights.
Despite his contributions, York faced many challenges as a Black man on the expedition. As an enslaved Black man, he was subjected to mistreatment and racism, and his achievements were often overlooked or downplayed. York was also separated from his wife and children during the journey, and it is unclear whether he was ever able to reunite with them. Nonetheless, his role in the Lewis and Clark expedition was crucial and deserves recognition for his contributions to Black exploration and American history.
Legacy
York's story is an important one, as it sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black people to US history and exploration. York's legacy reminds that Black people have been an integral part of American history from the beginning, and their stories deserve to be told and celebrated.
Further Reading
Esteban - Black Explorer Who Helped Map the Southwest
Esteban de Dorantes was a Black explorer who played a key role in the early exploration of what is now the southwestern United States. His contributions to the region helped shape the course of American history and serve as a reminder of the often-overlooked role that Black people have played in exploration and discovery.
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Esteban de Dorantes, an enslaved man who accompanied Spanish explorers on expeditions to the Americas in the early 16th century, played a key role in the early exploration of what is now the southwestern United States. His contributions to this region helped shape the course of American history and serve as a reminder of the often-overlooked role that Black people have played in exploration and discovery.
Esteban de Dorantes was a Black explorer born in present-day Morocco in the late 15th century. He was brought to the Americas as a slave and eventually became a captive of Spanish explorer Andrés Dorantes de Carranza. Esteban accompanied Dorantes and several other Spanish explorers on expeditions to Florida, Mexico, and what is now the southwestern United States.
Southwest Exploration
Narvaez Expedition route through the New World. Courtesy of Texascounties.net.
Esteban's most significant contributions came during the Narváez expedition of 1528, in which he was part of an ill-fated attempt to colonize the Gulf Coast region of the United States. After the expedition's ships were wrecked, Esteban and the other survivors traveled westward, eventually reaching what is now Texas and New Mexico.
Esteban played a crucial role in the expedition's interactions with Native American tribes, as he was able to speak several different Native American languages. He acted as a mediator and interpreter, helping to establish peaceful relationships between the Spanish explorers and the tribes they encountered.
Esteban de Dorantes The Black Explorer Who Helped Map the SouthWest
After Native Americans killed the expedition's leaders, Esteban and several other survivors continued westward. They eventually reached what is now Arizona, where Esteban was killed by the Zuni people while attempting to negotiate for food and supplies. Despite his tragic end, Esteban's explorations and interactions with Native American tribes helped to lay the groundwork for later Spanish expeditions and settlements in the region.
Esteban’s Legacy
Esteban's story is a reminder of the significant contributions that Black people have made to American history and culture, even in the face of oppression and slavery. His role as a mediator and communicator helped to promote peace and understanding between different cultures, and his explorations helped to map and shape the southwestern United States.
Esteban de Dorantes was a trailblazer in the field of exploration, and his legacy is an important part of Black history in America. His story serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked role that Black people have played in the exploration and discovery of the United States. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black figures like Esteban, we can honor their legacy and inspire future generations to continue to explore and discover.