Race, History, and Rock Creek

The history of our national parks—and Rock Creek Park in particular, as it sits in our nation’s capital—encompasses people of all races and walks of life. Rock Creek Park (the National Park Service) and Rock Creek Conservancy have partnered to tell the stories at the intersection of race, history, and Rock Creek, covering a wide variety of topics, people, and historical events in Northern DC.

In this extraordinary and important political moment demanding more accountability and transparency around racial equity, Rock Creek Park, the Conservancy, and other park partners want to more fully interpret the history of all people as related to our parks. This ongoing series of programs will take place virtually for the foreseeable future, in accordance with public health guidelines.

  • Upcoming Events

    Race, History, and Rock Creek - The William Beckett Project

    Wednesday, May 1, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM ET

    Join Rock Creek Conservancy and Rock Creek Park, in collaboration with Friends of Peirce Mill, for a presentation and panel discussion about William Beckett, an African American man born enslaved in Washington, D.C., and an integral part of Joshua Peirce’s nursery business located in what is now Rock Creek Park. This presentation will explore the intriguing life of William Beckett, who was an astute member of his local community, a businessman, and a government employee. This discussion will be facilitated by Angela Kramer, Executive Director of The Friends of Peirce Mill, and Antonio Austin, Project Historian for the William Beckett Project.

    Register Here

Segregation and Rock Creek Park September 22, 2022

Civil Rights in Meridian Hill / Malcolm X Park OCtober 19, 2022

Past Events

Invasive Rhetoric March 22, 2024

Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Rock Creek Park Reality November 16, 2023

The Story of Rock Creek JANUARY 24, 2024

History of Jazz at the Carter Barron October 25, 2023

History of Reno City April 26, 2023

Rock Creek Pride June 28, 2023

The History and Future of the Carter Barron Amphitheater November 30, 2022

Nature as Healing February 28, 2023

Women Who've Made a Difference in Rock Creek March 23, 2023

Diversity in environmental sectors | May 3, 2022

black cemeteries April 21, 2022

Lou Stovall, Arts, and Activism March 22, 2022

Lynchings and Biophobia FeburARY 24, 2022

History of Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park | Jan 11, 2022

U.S Colored Troops & Civil War Defenses of Washington | Nov 9, 2021

 Women in Park
Leadership | July 27, 2021

Summer in the Parks: A Legacy of Parks and People | June 23, 2021

The Life and Times of Hattie Sewell | May 26, 2021

 
 

the History of MElvin Hazen March 4, 2021

Chocolate City
Author Talk | August 6, 2020

 Additional learning resources

The events in this series are an important starting point to better understand our local history and how it has affected equity and access in Rock Creek Park and northern Washington, DC more broadly. These discussions will leave participants with some answers, but also likely many more questions worth exploring. 

We encourage participants to use these resources to continue thinking and talking about racial equity and how it impacts all of us, and what we can do—individually and as a community—to combat racial injustice.

Continuing conversations about race and racial justice:

Reflective questions for personal growth on race:

  • Where do you see inequities in your community?

  • How does equity differ from equality?

  • Why is inclusion important?

  • What are some ways that we as a community can advance equity and justice for people of color and other marginalized groups?

  • What are some ways you as an individual can advance equity in your daily activities, work, and otherwise?