NICODEMUS — On Oct. 19, over 75 family members, friends and colleagues gathered at “The Bates Farm” one mile north of Nicodemus, to celebrate her remarkable 38-year legacy as the founding President and Executive Director of the Nicodemus Historical Society (founded in 1986). Angela’s tireless efforts have ensured the preservation of Nicodemus, Kansas – an essential icon of the African American experience in post-Reconstruction on the Great Plains of western Kansas. She’s also protected and secured the legacy of Nicodemus safeguarding it for future generations.

Under her leadership, she spearheaded efforts to secure Nicodemus as a National Historic Site, securing federal funding for historic preservation of its five historic buildings. The National Park Service Visitor Center, has hosted thousands of visitors since its designation in 1996. The public has an opportunity to learn about the resilience of these Black homesteaders who sought to experience freedom in the West.

Among one of Angela’s most prominent achievements was to spearhead the creation of the Nicodemus Historical Society and Museum; to collect, preserve and interpret for the nation the rich history of this epic story. To this end she collaborated with the Spencer Research Library at Kansas University and created through donations, the Nicodemus Historical Society’s Collection of photos and archives.

Angela has been a prolific public speaker through such organizations as the Kansas Humanities, and as first-person characterizations of African American women of the West. Thousands in attendance of these public events have been educated, entertained and enlightened.  She also co-created the Nicodemus Buffalo Soldier Association and performed with them throughout the nation.

Her public speaking and appearances have put Nicodemus on the map as a must-see historical destination and the history of blacks in the West, a must needed chapter in the history and settlement of the West. Her series of children’s books, The Adventures of Nicodemus Annie, has ensured that youth have an opportunity to also learn about this rich history.

Ms. Bates is a fourth generation descendant of the original Nicodemus Homesteaders and has been the recipient of many awards, such as the Life Time Achievement Award from the Roundtable Associates and as a designated Kansas Trail Blazer. She has been a recipient of a National Park Preservation Award and WE CAN Preservation Award from the Penner Foundation.  Nicodemus is represented at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. because of her efforts.

Most recently, she wrote and produced “Ellis Trail to Nicodemus: The End of the Journey to the Promise Land,” a documentary.  It has been aired on Smoky Hills PBS and at other locations across the state and recently submitted for consideration for a Spur Award by the Western Writers of America Association. The film details the last 35-mile trek of an incredible journey of the first Nicodemus pioneer settlers who traveled west from central Kentucky to seek a life of freedom on the High Plains of Kansas.

Increasingly her achievements have also been recognized by local and national media outlets, including the Hays Daily News, Plainville Times, Stockton Sentinel, Preservation Magazine, National Parks Magazine, National Geographic, Kansas City Star, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Denver Post, L.A. Times, the New York Times, Washington Post, and many more.

Dr. Ashley Adams, Descendant and Board President of the Nicodemus Historical Society said, “Angela has made a deep impact, not only within the Nicodemus descendant community but across the nation, honoring the legacy of our ancestors and keeping their memory alive. The ancestors are smiling, and we will continue to build upon what she has created for future generations to come.”

In her retirement she plans to republish her children’s books, finish writing her memoirs, and write a sequel to the documentary.  She says she will also, finally pursue her personal lifelong passion as an artist and oil painter. We honor Angela’s monumental impact on Kansas and the nation, and wish her all the best in her retirement! “To the stars” as she always quotes from the Kansas motto.

This story was updated on Nov. 5 to correct the name of the Plainville Times newspaper.