Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist, came up with the idea for all Black Troops. He convinced President Abraham Lincoln, and the 54th Regiment was born on January 1, 1863. Douglass's sons fought with the 54th. The biggest frustration was they did not see battle. Most troops were sent to Indian Territory to protect supplies and forts. They proved themselves out west with bravery and courage.
They mad a movie about the 54th called Glory. The cast is fantastic Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freemen, and Denzel Washington. If you have not seen this film please watch! You get a real sense of what these guys had to go through!
The military will stay segregated till the 1950s, Korean War. All Black Troops were always stationed out west. The Native Americans said their hair looks like Buffalo hair so called them the Buffalo Soldiers. My Grandfather wrote the Standard on the Buffalo Soldiers. I am so proud of that and Arlen Fowler is my Grandpa. He is sadly gone, but when he was still alive he came to my classes to talk about his book. One thing he said that will always stand out to me is how he described the Buffalo Soldiers. He said it is a story that needs to be taught! They demonstrated courage and bravery!
