Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar meets 'Buffalo Soldier' Alizy Bowman



 

'Buffalo Soldier' Alizy Bowman played by Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson



 

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis

Yosemite National Park
Saturday October 10, 2009

On a cool Fall morning  in Yosemite National Park, the Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar made his first official visit to Yosemite National Park. He was there along with the National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis.  Mr. Jarvis began his tenure as Director on October 2, 2009.

The Presidential Cabinet Secretary and new National Park Service Director attended Innovative Interpretive Programs and also toured Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga  was in attendance for the scheduled hikes and receptions, along with Park Ranger Shelton Johnson (who was prominently featured in the Ken
Burns film The National Parks: America’s Best Idea). Mr. Johnson performed his award winning 'Buffalo Soldier' program to a very appreciative audience.

The morning began with a tour of the inside of the Visitors Center and then moved outside where Mr. Salazar and Mr. Jarvis enjoyed a question and answer session with school children who were gathered around. They answered many questions and had fun interacting with children. Everyone then took a hike in Cooks Meadow over to the Rangers' Club where they answered more questions.

Continuing on the path around Cooks Meadow, suddenly from far away a soft playing flute could be heard and slowly 'Buffalo Soldier' Alizy Bowman (Played by Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson) came into view. After introductions Alizy Bowman began his narrative of growing up in the South and eventually leaving home and finding his way to Yosemite as a 'Buffalo Soldier.' One member of the audience described Shelton's performance as "Powerful", while another commented that "Tears came to his eyes", as Alizy described the racial situation in America in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Later on the path around the meadow a couple, who had just been married in the park, were  having a few of their wedding pictures taken by local wedding photographer Dan Warsinger. The young couple were overtaken by the group following Alizy. The Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar introduced himself to the them and high fived the bride to be on her wedding day. Further down the path Alizy produced a Mbria and played a tune while finishing his tale of being a 'Buffalo Soldier.'

Later during the afternoon the Delaware North Company had tables set up and served refreshments and fabulous
hors d'oeuvres, while Mr. Salazar and Mr. Jarvis talked about what they hope to accomplish while serving in their positions with the government.

For more information on Ken Salazar

U.S. Department of the Interior

For more information on Jon Jarvis

National Park Service History: Directors of National Park Service

For More information on Shelton Johnson

A Website by Shelton Johnson

shadowsoldier.org

Shelton Johnson's book

Gloryland by Shelton Johnson - National Parks - Sierra Club

More about Shelton Johnson

The National Parks: America's Best Idea: People - Shelton Johnson | PBS

PBS Engage | Ask Park Ranger Shelton Johnson | PBS

Sierra Sun Times - Park Ranger Shelton Johnson performs to a full house at the Mariposa Museum and History Center

Shelton Johnson Tells the Story of the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite