PHOENIX — To celebrate Black History Month, more than 100 people laced up and hit the trails for the 4th annual “Hike with a Firefighter, Hear from a Park Ranger” at South Mountain Park in Phoenix Saturday morning.

After a short warm-up at the South Mountain Visitor Center, people hiked the trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve.

“We’re out supporting the community, supporting our firefighters, and just enjoying a day out,” said Angela Wilson, who moved to Arizona from Memphis.

New friends and old, Wilson hiked with her friend, Christian Rodgers, who moved from Nashville, and their new Indiana friend, Tanice Hughes. 

The event was coordinated to kick off Black History Month, in partnership with the United Black Firefighters of Arizona.

“They need to know that the community cares and not just call them when they’re in need, but just to support them altogether,” said Wilson.

For Wilson, being active is a way of life.

“I have run many St. Jude marathons and since I’ve moved here, I’ve done the Phoenix 10k, I’ve done the Pat Tillman, and I’m doing the Pat Tillman again this year,” said Wilson.

Community members connected with first responders and learned about trail safety, while honoring the legacy and contributions of the Black community.

“It’s people that want to learn or that appreciate Black History Month the same way that we do,” said Rodgers.

“I think it’s great that along the whole hike, you have those little signs with a little bit of Black History facts, so I think it’s pretty cool,” said Wilson.

“We have our Holbert Trail and we also have our Judith Tunnel Trail,” said Phoenix firefighter-paramedic Anthony Harrison.

Harrison showed 12News signs lining the trails that signify so much.

“One being Bill Russell,” said Harrison. “…pictures, descriptions of many Black leaders that represented us throughout the years… that passed away or that are still living.”

Harrison said they want to make sure everyone recognizes the faces of the significant figures on the signs.

“Understand where we started from and where we came from and what we represent to now and the future,” he said.

Harrison shared powerful words about the legacy of James Wesley Robinson.

“He was hired in the early 50s,” he said. “He was one of the first Black captains on the job, so we took the time and we named our organization after him with the JW Robinson organization with the United Black Firefighters.”

Harrison said Robinson was a powerful representation.

“Obviously, racial tensions were a lot different back then, and segregation within the station, so times have changed, we’ve become more united and family-oriented within the fire department, so that’s important,” said Harrison.

Now in the event’s 4th year, Harrison said it has grown every year, and seeing so many people of all ages from all different backgrounds means everything to him.

“We show we all have a common goal and that’s to be at peace with one another,” he said. “We have a lot to learn from one another, right? So, that’s what we have to push, and that’s what our legacy is.”

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