Happy birthday to the oldest National Park ranger in the U.S. – Betty Soskin, who turned 100 this week.

Born September 22, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan, Soskin was an activist during the civil rights era, as well as an author and businesswoman.  She joined the National Park Service in 2004 at the age of 84 “to educate others on Black women in history and all women during World War II.”

The community Soskin lives in, Richmond, California, dedicated a middle school in her name and the National Parks Service will celebrate her 100th birthday with a special commemorative ink stamp. (Source: ABC News)

Soskin said “People need heroes,” said Soskin. “And I’m maybe one of those.” Indeed you are. ~Randi