Land of Promise

Pamela Harris, Executive Director of Iris Films, has just informed us that she has placed her 2007 documentary Land of Promise: the Story of Allensworth on YouTube and Vimeo. In Land of Promise, Harris captures the battle to stop two mega dairies from being built next to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, on the eve of the town’s 100^th anniversary. 

The film includes interviews with Alice Royal who was born in her grandparents Allensworth home in 1923, Ed Pope who spearheaded the campaign to build the state park, Mayor Nettie Morrison who lead the campaign to stop the mega dairies, Lupe Martinez an advocate for Allensworth, and Frank Medina who migrated from Texas to Allensworth in the late 60’s.

 Harris was a co-director of “Waging a Living,” a PBS documentary that looks at the daily life of four people that are “hustling backwards”; the growing number of Americans that work full-time but still live below the federal poverty level.

Harris is currently working on two projects, Afro Uruguay: Forward Together – a documentary centered on the efforts of two courageous Uruguayans that are fighting to make a better life for the economically marginalized Afro Uruguayan community, and Intentional Black Communities in America – a pictorial history of Intentional black towns in America.

Pamela Harris we thank you for sharing Land of Promise.

“Mayor” Nettie Morrison Honored

More than thirty years ago Mrs. Nettie Morrison left the conveniences of Los Angeles, the land of big dreams, and moved to the remote farmlands of Allensworth, an unincorporated township affectionately known as the “town that refused to die.”

On Tuesday, December 6th the Tulare County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation “honoring Nettie Morrison for 30 years of advocacy and dedicated leadership to the community of Allensworth.”

In addition to the achievements mentioned in the proclamation (below) Mrs. Morrison was a member of the Allensworth Study Panel that created the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. She was also the first president of the Friends of Allensworth Cooperating Association. In 2007 when Mrs. Morrison heard about plans to build two mega dairies next to Allensworth she sounded the alarm, calling friends and supporters in Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, San Francisco, Bakersfield and other cities. Bus loads of supporters turned out to the Board of Supervisors meeting to voice their concerns about the negative impact that the dairies would have on Allensworth.

Because of health problems last month Mrs. Morrison resigned from the Allensworth Community Council; the council she helped form in 2002.

“Mayor” Nettie Morrison, thank you for refusing to let Allensworth die.



Stephen Hill, Sr.

County of Tulare Board of Supervisors

Proclamation

HONORING NETTIE MORRISON FOR 30 YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND DEDICATED LEADERSHIP TO THE COMMUNITY OF ALLENSWORTH


WHEREAS, Nettie, as a dedicated community leader; became a founding member of the Friends of Allensworth in 1982. This organization has proudly established chapters throughout the state of California; and

WHEREAS, known for her service as the Chairperson of the Allensworth Community Council, Nettie was appointed as the “Mayor” by former Tulare County Supervisor Connie Conway; and

WHEREAS, a founder of the Allensworth Christian Church, Nettie successfully raised funds to relocate the church from the Allensworth State Historic Park to the current township of Allensworth in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Nettie established the Food Commodities Program for Allensworth in 1981 and has continued to ensure that essential commodities are distributed to the community on a monthly basis; and

WHEREAS, Nettie is an environmental steward dedicated to the community’s vision and goals; and

WHEREAS, Nettie served on the Board of the Allensworth Progressive Association (APA), currently a non-profit organization that serves the needs of the community and was the original Town Council established in 1908; and

WHEREAS, Nettie’s legacy of leadership and devotion to her community will be cherished and admired by her two sons, three daughters, two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor Nettie Morrison for her service, advocacy, along with her unending dedication to the community of Allensworth

December 6, 2011