Buffalo Soldiers documentary sponsored by Wal-Mart lauds heroics of nation's Black fighting units

Jet, March 14, 2005

Highlighting its celebration of Black History Month, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., recently sponsored the documentary film The Invisible Men of Honor: The Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers.

The film tells the story of the important role all-Black army regiments played in the American expansion into the West and their succeeding valiant military service in conflicts and wars including the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

The original Buffalo Soldiers were the men who enlisted in the 9th and 10th cavalries and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantries after Congress, in July 1866, authorized creation of six "colored" army regiments.

The authorization was in large part due to the outstanding performance of the more than 180,000 Black volunteers who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War.

The name "Buffalo Soldiers" was bestowed by the Cheyenne Indians, who battled the Black troops on the American plains, to acknowledge their fierce fighting abilities; they also cited the wooly texture of the Black troops hair.

The documentary is narrated by actor Tim Reid. It is the centerpiece of Wal-Mart's multi-dimensional educational program on the Black soldiers who served in the segregated units of the American military from 1866 to 1948.

The film is supported by a website, www.buffalosoldierstribute.com, an inspiring poster and study guide that provide more information about this segment of American history and these under-recognized Black heroes. Both the poster and study guide are available on the website.

The documentary originally aired in February on TV ONE cable network, but will be re-broadeast in May and November in honor of Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.

Cheek website for other broadcast dates.

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) in Houston contributed substantially to the development of the entire program.

"This program will help elevate Buffalo Soldiers to the place of honor they deserve in American history," says BSNM founder and curator Capt. Paul Matthews. "It is a recognition that is long overdue and we're glad Wal-Mart stepped to the forefront in making it possible."

In launching the program, Charlyn Jarrells Porter, chief diversity officer for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., noted, "This month, we are proud to sponsor a program that brings new information about, and bestows honor upon, the African-American servicemen who willingly gave so much at a time when they received so little in return."