Explorer, York Gist , Lewis and Clark Expedition with Marlene Rivero

Primary Sources, Black History

Marlene Rivero portrays York's mother, whose son was the African-American Guide on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The painting is a self portrait as York's Mother Rose.Marlene Rivero developed her character in response to a Need to tell York's Story in 2003. The National Park Service first saw the program in Cairo, Illionois, and it has been seen by thosands of people between 2003-2006. It received honorable mention at the St louis, Mo. Marlene draws from the notes, songs, Costumes & spoken words she discovered while researching to tell of York's role in the L & C Exp. York was Clark’s childhood companion. He was enslaved. He was devoted to William Clark. He was a guide on the expedition. York had a great time on the expedition. He had, had his own rifle. He got to vote. He was a full member of the expedition. He had a, the Indians loved him.