|
National Park Service and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Team
up to Engage African-American women and Young Girls in
Historic preservation
The National Park Service
(NPS) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Zeta) have
established a national partnership that will provide new
opportunities for African-American women and young girls to
experience national parks, historic sites and monuments as
well as promote interest in historic preservation careers.
Recognizing the strength and
potential in linking the two organizations, NPS Deputy
Director David Vela and Zeta International Centennial
President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker formalized the
partnership during a signing ceremony at the National Museum
of African American History and Culture in Washington on
January 16, 2020, the 100th anniversary of the founding of
Zeta Phi Beta.
“We are honored to celebrate
this momentous partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on
their centennial anniversary,” Vela said. “This partnership
is not just about this day or this single celebration, but
about every day that follows and the work that both of our
organizations will put into this effort. The National Park
Service is proud to join Zeta
in this effort and will
continue to build on our progress toward our shared goals as
both of our organizations move into their second century of
service.”
Zeta Phi Beta was founded on
January 16, 1920 at Howard University and includes a
membership of more than 125,000 college-educated, dynamic,
community service-driven, diverse and professional women.
Notable Zetas include Maggie L. Walker and Zora Neale
Hurston. |
Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker
Maggie Walker |
|
"This signing commemorates
the centennial celebration of Zeta Phi Beta, and showcases
our dedication to providing opportunities for
African-American women and young girls,” Hollingsworth-Baker
said. "We are committed to celebrating the roles women have
played in America, and continue to create programs and
training for women advancement. With the National Park
Service providing access to experience parks, historic sites
and monuments, we will make our communities better."
Among the 419 national parks
managed by NPS is Maggie L Walker National Historic Site in
Richmond, Virginia, which preserves the home and tells the
story of the esteemed Zeta. As bank president, newspaper
editor and fraternal leader, Walker served as an inspiration
of pride and progress. The site provides visitors the
opportunity to learn about the legacy of Maggie Walker and
her contribution to civil rights advancement, economic
empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era
African Americans and women.
More than 20,000 National
Park Service
employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work
with communities
across the nation to help preserve local history and create
close-to-home recreational opportunities. |
