Oldest park ranger in US from East Bay featured in ABC7 special

RICHMOND, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 featured Betty Reid Soskin in 2013 for our in-depth "Profiles of Excellence" special. She told us that in her almost century of life, she's been no stranger to threats and violence. We learned that she's been brave her entire life, from her early career as a clerk in a Jim Crow union hall to her social and political activism, which all resulted in her commitment to ensuring the Rosie the Riveter Museum and Memorial, which represents all members of the community.

During World War II, Soskin worked as a clerk for the all-African American Boilermakers Union A36.

Soskin also spoke with us about what it was like to be the first African American family to live in Walnut Creek. When she and her husband lived there with their children, she says a cross was burned on their lawn.

"We began to receive threatening letters saying if we dared to step," she said. "That they would burn it. It was absolutely devastating."

Soskin refused to give up her home at that time. And now, despite a violent home invasion attack, she says she's determined to stay in Richmond and reclaim her home.

Click here to make a donation to Soskin to replace the other items that were stolen from her.

If you'd like to send her well wishes, here is where you can send cards and letters:

1414 Harbour Way South
#3000
Richmond, CA 94804