The key note speaker was Dr. Ramona Tascoe. Her key note speech was much appreciated by all gathered. Among those in the audience Brian O'Neill who is the Superintendent of GGNRA and the Executive Director of the Trust, James Meadows. Hundreds of National Park Employees from as far away as Muir Woods and Stinson Beach , Trust employees, and several California delegates to the National Summit On Africa were present to hear their Chairperson Dr. Ramona Tascoe. Dr. Ramona will lead over 220 California delegates to Washington D.C.

There were two exhibits held in the Prince Room one on the Underground Railway and the other one on the Buffalo Soldiers. It was pointed out again and again that over 455 Buffalo Soldiers lie in the Veterans Cemetery just a few hundred feet away from where the function was held. It was also pointed out that the Underground Railway has failed to mention the contribution of those African Americans who contributed to the Underground Railway in the West.

Free lunch was provided to our guest by the African American Association which is affiliated to the National Park Service and is the only non profit organization having 501 ( c ) 3 status in the United States. Year after year the African American Association has gone out of its way to keep the fire burning. This year SGT J.O. Smith, Joe Oliver, Rick Penn and Francisco Da Costa did all in their power to maintain a high standard and put on a first class event that was very well attended.

Our key note speaker Dr. Ramona Tascoe speech kept the audience spell bound including those in authority who manage the GGNRA and the Presidio of San Francisco. She suggested many concepts to better the community and bring progressive change. She called for higher standards so that we all contribute to the betterment of the United States. Dr. Ramona spoke about the relations between the United States and the world. She directly spoke about her involvement in Kenya and Tanzania as a result of the recent bombings. Her speech mentioned most of the African American leaders who have contributed so much to the progress of the United States throughout its history.

James Meadows promised to help create awareness about the Buffalo Soldiers. James Meadows promised to build and hire a diverse staff. Brian O'Neill spoke about some community endowment programs which will benefit the GGNRA.