The Greater Atlanta Area Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers – the 9th and 10th horse cavalry – participated in Augusta University’s lineup of Black History Month events, sharing with the community the history of the Buffalo Soldiers alongside a horse display on Feb. 17.
Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?
During the American Civil War, the U.S. government formed regiments known as the United States Colored Troops, composed of Black soldiers.
These Black cavalry troops were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” by Native Americans who thought their dark, curly hair resembled buffalos and because of the aggressive way they fought.
After the war, Congress reorganized the Army and authorized the formation of two regiments of Black cavalry with the designations 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry, and four regiments of Black infantry, designated the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiments (Colored).
The Buffalo Soldiers who visited AU on Monday morning have a mission to educate today’s youth about these soldiers and their often forgotten or undertold histories.
Sharing Buffalo Soldier history with Augusta
A presentation was held in AU’s Reese Library, led by chapter president, Trooper Derrick Davis.
“It’s very important for me to be able to put a uniform on and tell their story,” he said. “They can’t tell the story anymore, and it’s my passion and my honor to go out and continue to carry on this legacy.”
Davis said that being a storyteller for the Buffalo Soldiers is something he devotes most of his time to.
“I love this, day in and day out. It’s my life, my livelihood,” he said.
More Black History events at Augusta University
Augusta University has several more Black History events lined up this month, including a Black History Month fashion show on Feb. 28, a Black History Month line dance on Feb. 24 and a panel discussion on Black horse trainers, farmers and cowboys on Feb. 24.
