(May 8, 2025 -- Stockton, CA) – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) secured $50,000 in funding through the Parks California “Route to Parks” grant program, which will be used to support the annual Visit Allensworth California Heritage Program. The funding will help increase access to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for African American students and community members to attend the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration and Rededication events.

The grant will fund Amtrak San Joaquins train tickets and meal vouchers for underserved communities in the Bay Areas and Central Valley, allowing them to visit Allensworth and experience the legacy of the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Eligible participants include students in the Bay Area and Central Valley, including the Stockton Unified and Bakersfield City School Districts, as well as university ethnic studies departments, Black Student Unions, Black Greek-letter organizations, and community groups in Stockton and the Bay Area.

“This grant will help elevate and expand the Visit Allensworth program, while allowing travelers to experience the benefits of public transportation through Amtrak San Joaquins," said Stacey Mortensen, Executive Director of SJJPA. "We are grateful to Parks California and California State Parks for this funding, which will reduce access barriers to this historically and culturally significant site, allowing Black communities throughout our service corridor to connect with this cornerstone of California’s rich history.”

Underserved communities are less likely to visit parks. According to Census data, African Americans make up less than 2 percent of national park visitors, while making up 6.5 percent of Californians. The “Route to Parks” grant program is intended to improve access to state parks by reducing transportation and economic barriers and ensuring historically marginalized communities can visit and grow a greater appreciation for California’s world-class parks.

“California’s state parks belong to all of us, yet too many communities face barriers to enjoying these incredible spaces,” said Parks California President and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor. “Through Route to Parks, we’re working alongside our partners to break down those barriers — ensuring that transportation, cost or other obstacles don’t stand in the way of people experiencing the joy, health benefits and sense of belonging that parks provide.”

Amtrak San Joaquins, in partnership with Friends of Allensworth, a charitable organization dedicated to advancing educational and interpretive activities at Allensworth State Historic Park, will schedule special stops at the historical site for the Juneteenth Celebration on June 14, and Rededication event on October 11.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.

About Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans.

About Parks California

Parks California is the official public-private nonprofit partner to California State Parks. Working statewide, it’s uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together, ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come. This year, Parks California celebrates 5 years of partnering with over 100 nonprofits and tribal groups to help more than 28,000 people experience one of California’s 280 state parks – many for the first time ever – in the hopes of starting a lifelong love of nature.

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