To commemorate Black History Month, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) today in Xenia, Ohio discussed S.2933. He recently introduced the bill to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Colonel Charles Young Home as a unit of the National Park System (NPS). The designation will enhance local, state and federal resources and ensure that this unique part of our nation's history is preserved for generations to come.
"Col. Charles Young made significant military and public service contributions to Ohio and the nation," Sen. Voinovich said. "Col. Young's life and legacy should continue to live on, so future generations can visit his Ohio childhood home to learn about his exemplary life and leadership."
Col. Charles Young was a distinguished African-American officer in the United States Army and the third African-American to graduate from West Point. He was a commander of combat troops in the Spanish-American and Mexican Wars, leading his regiment of Buffalo Soldiers in the expedition against Pancho Villa. He was also one of the first Military Attachés in the United States and served on military duty in multiple countries, pioneering techniques in military intelligence. Col. Young's service in the Army between 1884 and 1922 illustrates the changing nature of race relations in the United States, during a period spanning from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement.
As the commander of an Army unit assigned to protect and develop Sequoia National Park and General Grant National Park in the California, Col. Young was recognized as the first African-American to be the Superintendent of a National Park. Extending beyond military service, he also taught at Wilberforce University and was an accomplished linguist.
Sen. Voinovich's bill will authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Colonel Charles Young Home in Xenia as a unit of the National Park System (NPS). The Senate bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-1) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, with Rep. Steve Austria (OH-7) as a cosponsor.
Sen. Voinovich's support of Ohio's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) dates back to his tenure as governor of Ohio and mayor of Cleveland. As a U.S. Senator he continues to support Ohio's HBCUs and is pleased to assist Central State University in its efforts to move forward in designating Col. Young's home as an official site in the NPS.