It’s easy to look back at the history of the U.S. and think of it as just that, history. But there are many things in our past that are still impacting people today. Just like when communities speak of indigenous people as “having done” something, or saying “they used to live” in some way. Indigenous folks are still alive today and many of them live in a similar manner to their ancestors and follow the same traditions and cultures. It’s not something of the past just because it is labeled as “history.”
The same goes for the discrimination of Black people during the Jim Crow era. Many of those who lived through the violence of those times carry the memories and feelings of insecurity and danger, and it’s not something that can easily be erased. This can surely be said for Eunice Gibbs, Housing officer at Grand Teton National Park.
Jim Crow laws were in effect until around 1965 – Gibbs was around five years old – and she remembers how her parents held a short string on her. She understands now that they were protecting her, keeping her from exploring a world that was full of dangers for her and her community.
“It was a difficult time to travel. We didn't have the finances or capital to go on vacations and Jim Crow was serious segregation of public schools, public spaces and public transportation,” Gibbs said. “So, I think for my parents they felt like protecting us by not having us out there.”
It was also during this time that Victor Hugo Green came out with ‘The Negro Motorist Green Book’, which he created to help Black people be safe while on the road. For those that did travel, the book provided names of Black friendly establishments where they would be safe and not worry about being discriminated against or insulted.
“Everybody is different, but I was determined to be different,” Gibbs said. “I wanted to make a difference and get out of my neighborhood. So I graduated high school, went to the military, worked in the Department of Defense and now I'm here.”
Gibbs, now 61, put in a transfer from the DOD in May, and her job at Grand Teton is her first at a national park. It is also the first national park she has ever visited, and her time here as well as research she did before applying, opened her eyes to the wonders of the natural world. Since starting her job she has experienced things she might never have done if it weren't for the park. She has been horseback riding, floating down the Snake River, hiking and is hoping to do much more.
The river is Gibb’s favorite thing in the Tetons, but her favorite part of the job is helping the other employees be happy in the 232 homes that she manages.
Not only is she happy at her new job and excited to experience new things, she hopes that by being in her position she can be an example for others like her to get out, explore and maybe begin a career at NPS as well.
“I want people that look like me to see that there are opportunities in the Park Service for them, it just depends on what they want to do,” Gibbs said. “I've always been adventurous and hardworking, and I refuse to let my past define me or my future. Being around people who are different from us makes us more creative, diligent and hardworking. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect, it means understanding that everyone is unique and recognizing our individual differences. It’s something we must celebrate.”