Possible name change for Folsom's Negro Bar to be discussed at June 17 meeting

Over the last four years, California State Parks has been gathering input and engaging in many discussions regarding the possibility of changing the name of Negro Bar. The much-talked-about topic tops the agenda of next week's State Parks and Recreation Commission (SPRC) quarterly meeting and those in the community wishing to share their thoughts and input are being invited to do so, according to an email from California State Parks. "The name of the Negro Bar Day Use Facilities will be discussed at this meeting. State Parks encourages everyone that would like to address the SPRC at this meeting to please attend. This is your opportunity to address the Commissioners," reads the email sent to multiple media outlets. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. June 17 as officials gather in the Rivers Ballroom of the Four Points by Sheraton located at the Sacramento International Airport at 4900 Duckhorn Drive. Members of the public can attend and participate in the meeting remotely; however, pre-registration is required at www.parks.ca.gov where the meeting notice will provide the full agenda and registration instructions. State Park officials have considered a new name for Negro Bar for a long time, after some residents have cited it is offensive. The idea of a name change has been long debated, as many historians and residents alike say the name should remain as it is, citing that it wasn't always a racial slur like it is today. "If we're going to say the n-word and put a 21st-century context to it, it is disrespectful, nobody's going to be calling us Negro today, but historically, that's what we were," said Michael Harris, a local black historian who has been an advocate and a supporter of keeping the name as it is. "The notion of focusing on the name is intentionally disrespectful; it presupposes disparaging treatment," added Harris. "It certainly negates any of the contributions of people of African descent in the Gold Rush era." At the popular Lake Natoma Beach, visitors can see the site where African American miners first discovered gold near the shoreline. According to State Parks historical data, the term Negro Bar first came about in an 1850 newspaper article that reported that African American miners had discovered gold at the location. In 2018, Sacramento County resident Phaedra Jones, was driving in the area when she passed the sign for Negro Bar for the first time. She was disturbed by the name and soon started a petition to request State Parks change the name and the discussion has been growing rapidly thereafter with many local residents joining the effort to lobby for a new name. Jenn Johnson was one of the Folsom residents to join the coalition and spoke with various media when the efforts began in 2018. "I'm not showing up and going to a place called Negro Bar where every other person is in white skin using that term," Johnson said in the earlier interview. "It's not an OK term to use, so why are we using it as a state park name?" Shortly after the petition grew, Alexandra Stehl, the deputy director for strategic planning and recreational services for State Parks, explained that the discussion to rename the area is part of a larger effort to reconsider the history of the state's parks. "We're building on the efforts to support equity and inclusion, and this area has been requested in the past to be renamed," Stehl said. "State Parks has agreed that it is a priority to rename this area." At that time, Stehl said some options for a new name include Black Miners Bar, Black Freedom Bar, African American Bar and Historic Negro Bar, among others. Stehl did add that regardless of the decision, State Parks will be launching an educational campaign to help visitors fully understand the history of the park and its importance to the California Gold Rush. "We are trying to keep that historic value really high, but at the same time, we want to make sure we're looking for a name that is inclusive and doesn't create barriers to people wanting to enjoy the park," Stehl said. State Park officials are encouraging the public to participate in next week's meeting. They can register at www.parks.ca.gov and https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-fvsoO-PRjKSrUsIrLlg5w. Prior to Friday's meeting a pair of events will be taking place between 9 a.m until 2 pm including a tour of Sutter's Fort State Historic Park at 2701 L Street Sacramento, CA 95816 And the Negro Bar Day Use Area. : The tour is open to the public and will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 2701 L Street in Sacramento, CA 95816. Participants must find their own transportation to each venue and are expected to pay for their preferred public parking method for the first stop of the tour at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. Street parking and parking garage options will be available downtown. The tour group will explore various locations within Sutter's Fort State Historic Park prior to heading to the second stop of the tour, Negro Bar Day Use Area within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Fees will be waived upon entry. This tour will last approximately 5-6 hour(s). Tour participants are responsible for bringing their own food and water supplies, and should wear appropriate clothing, hats, and footwear suitable for the forecasted weather. In addition the June 16, 17 events, Juneteenth U.S.A. 2022 at Negro Bar is also planning a Juneteenth Celebration event at the Day Use Facility Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM for more information event on this visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-usa-2022-at-negro-bar-tickets-328592407737