Phaedra Jones was shocked to realize the name of a state park tucked around the bend along the American River in Folsom carried the word “negro” in its name.
Jones says she was stunned, shocked and appalled that in this day and age a word to her and many, one that represents racism and negativity, can be the name of a state park.
Jones feels so strongly about a name change that she started a petition, rallying to change Negro Bar to something else, like a name to honor the black community.
“That was an area where the African Americans could mine for gold in peace without worrying about their claims being jumped,” said Gary Simon, the executive director of Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc.
He recognizes that emotions stir at the very sound of the word but believes the park’s name should stay unchanged.
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