Black History Bootcamp. S6. Day 10.
Day 10
Of all the Black towns started in the West during Reconstruction, only one still exists…
Do you know where it is?
Y’all I tried to Google it.
… an address for you.
But ain’t no addresses.
It’s just…
Nicodemus, Kansas 67625
NicoDEMus!!!
I first saw the name in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
It was a beautiful way sign pointing to the famous township. Somehow, this sign was miraculously recovered through post-Reconstruction terror, the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, AND the Great Depression. There it was - a beautiful relic of Black history (so grateful for archeologists).
You see, I was born in Kansas, plus “Nicodemus” sounded Black as H, so I was pumped to learn more.
I googled the population today.
14 people.
Wait...14?
In 2020, it was 54.
One chart says 5.
Who are these people holding down our history?
What are their names? What are their mama’s names? How many generations have their families lived there? Do they have a post office?
Call to Action: Is there a Trekker in Kansas? Can somebody drive to Nicodemus and ask them!? Lol (kidding/not kidding)
Listen, I did my keyboard research and I believe a revival is coming. Just last year, the AME church in Nicodemus, built in 1885, was made a historic landmark.
And thank God it was because the story of this town will blow your socks off! (That’s a Dust Bowl joke. Not funny? You’re right.)
I can’t wait to tell you the story and circumstances of this beautiful town. The history will give you a deeper understanding of the founding of all Black towns in the West.
You ready? Come get what you need, and come celebrate the second week of season six, The Neighborhoods Edition.
If you joined us this week for prayer and testimony as we learned about the Black Pentecostal Movement and the powerful Azusa Street Revival that sparked it ...you know. If you join us to hear about the boiling point of Florence and Normandie, to talk about the miracle and authority of Fred Hampton's life, and to celebrate Black excellence...you know something is happening... you know the power of this moment. We are halfway through this season and you have been putting in the work, stepping into the ring, and prioritizing yourself for 10 days. Congratulations! You're the CHAMP, and you deserve to celebrate yourself this weekend.
Meet us in the Streets: Grab your earbuds, put on your sneakers, and join co-founders Morgan and Vanessa for Black History Bootcamp, a walking podcast powered by GirlTrek. We can’t wait to talk…
Catch up on Spotify podcasts.
Episodes are available after 48 hours.
The Neighborhood Call to Action
Keep Walking!
Support Black Neighborhoods:
Interview: Write or record an oral history of your eldest living relative and put the highlight on social media using #blackarchives and #blackhistorybootcamp.
Volunteer or Donate: Is there a Black historic society near you? Contribute to upholding the legacy of your local history. If there is not one, create one.
Visit: Take a road trip to a Black historic landmark near you and share it with us using #blackhistorybootcamp.
Organize: Are you a solo Trekker in Kansas? High five! Invite a friend because two equals a crew! Download our Field Guide here and get support by emailing our regional coach Pam at central@girltrek.org.
If you want to join the 21-Day Bootcamp and continue to receive these emails, click here. If it is giving you life, forward this and invite a friend.