Buffalo Soldiers Honored for Decades of Service

Black History Month event highlights the valor and accomplishments of African American soldiers

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College hosted a Lunch and Learn event for Black History Month, featuring a presentation by members of the Buffalo Soldiers from the Alexander/Madison Chapter of the KC Area Ninth and 10th Cavalry Association. The event highlighted the important contributions and challenges faced by African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army for decades, including during the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, and World War II.

Why it matters

The Buffalo Soldiers were an integral part of the U.S. military, serving with distinction despite facing discrimination and being provided inferior equipment and resources. Their history and accomplishments are an important part of African American and U.S. military history that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

The details

The main presenter, Fred Jones (in character as Parker David Robbins), elaborated on the valor, courage and patriotism exhibited by the Buffalo Soldiers, who were formed in 1866 as the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry regiments. Despite facing challenges like being given second-hand uniforms, poor quality horses, and inferior equipment, the Buffalo Soldiers excelled at their duties, establishing forts, protecting the frontier, conducting surveys, and escorting cattle drives and wagon trains.

  • The Buffalo Soldiers were formed in the Regular Army as the 9th Cavalry in 1866 at Greenville, Louisiana.
  • The Buffalo Soldiers served in multiple wars beyond the Civil War and Spanish-American War, including the Indian Wars, the Philippine Insurrection and World War II.
  • The Buffalo Soldiers were disbanded in 1951 when segregated service was terminated.

The players

Fred Jones

Also known as Parker David Robbins when presenting in character, he was the main presenter who elaborated on the valor, courage and patriotism of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Buffalo Soldiers

African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, including the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments, and were known for their bravery and accomplishments despite facing discrimination.

Gordon Parks Museum

The museum at Fort Scott Community College that hosted the Lunch and Learn event celebrating Black History Month and the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.

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What they’re saying

“These men were unsung heroes. They were fathers, sons, brothers and husbands. They were both unlearned and self-educated – former slaves who held a variety of jobs that included being share croppers, writers, painters, mechanics and cooks. Just as their white colleagues, they came from all walks of life. They were not treated with due respect. They were given second-hand uniforms, the poorest quality of horses and the worst equipment.”

— Fred Jones, Presenter

What’s next

The Buffalo Soldiers chapter continues to share the rich history of these soldiers to honor their contributions and legacy.

The takeaway

The Buffalo Soldiers' story is an important part of African American and U.S. military history, highlighting the valor and accomplishments of Black soldiers who served their country with distinction despite facing discrimination and adversity.