Being a park ranger is not usually a job that puts you in the spotlight. But every once in a while, a story gets discovered that needs to be shared with the world. That is what happened to Ranger Shelton Johnson.
When he began telling the story of the Buffalo Soldiers experience in Yosemite, people began to notice. The story of theBuffalo Soldiers led to a pivotal role in Ken Burns’ film series about the National Parks. Shelton got to meet Oprah. Shelton got to meet President Obama. Eventually, Shelton got to meet Jody Maberry, host of the Park Leaders Show. No big deal, I know, but it did lead to this interview on the Park Leaders Show.
Shelton discusses the path that lead him from inner city Detroit to being a park ranger in a wilderness park. He also explains why access to the outdoors is a civil rights issue.
Shelton Johnson has also written a novel about Buffalo Soldiers called Gloryland.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can watch the Ken Burns’ National Parks film for free. Just click here.
Another great story from High Country News about the Buffalo Soldiers: http://www.hcn.org/articles/remembering-the-buffalo-soldiers
Thank you for sharing, Gretchen. Great article.
100 podcasts in. And a great one to boot. Hats off to my friend Jody Maberry on this podcasting milestone. One small step for Parkleaders.com, one giant leap for parks leaders everywhere.
Thank you, Ryan. Who would have ever thought it would get to 100 episodes.
“Gloryland” is a wonderful book I’ve now read twice. I only became aware of Shelton Johnson when I saw the Ken Burns series some time ago, but quickly it was clear to me he’s a national treasure. Maybe I’m biased because he’s from Detroit and graduated from my alma mater, Cass Tech. Maybe it’s because he’s a city kid like me who also found his own way to get to know, love, and respect Mother Nature. Maybe it’s because hee’s been giving that word out o lots of folks, kids especially, for some time now. But I don’t think I’m biased. I just think Shelton Johnson is a fine and wise person with much to share with all of us. I want everyone to pay attention to him, one of my heroes.
The Ken Burns film is when I first learned of Shelton Johnson, too. The next day I was so proud to put on the uniform. He put an extra spring in my step. I bought a copy of Gloryland but gave it away before I read it. I plan to get a replacement copy soon.