AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Buffalo Soldier program is honoring Black History Month with a new museum exhibit.
On Friday, the group unveiled a Buffalo Soldiers exhibit at the TPWD headquarters building in Austin.
The event included a plaque and an exhibit for people to see throughout the year before it moves permanently to the Buffalo Soldier museum in Houston.
Speakers at the event included Sen. Royce West, Buffalo Soldiers program founders Kenneth Pollard and Tad Gose and TPWD executive director Carter Smith. TPWD commissioner Oliver Bell and former TPWD commissioner Bill Jones were also in attendance.
Buffalo Soldiers were black slaves and freedmen who fought in battles since the mid-1800s, including the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. The Ninth, 10th, 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments were comprised of Buffalo Soldiers.
“The Buffalo Soldiers program has been a part of TPWD and Texas State Parks for 25 years and celebrating this monumental anniversary is a great way to kick off Black History Month,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “Texas heritage includes all of us. Sharing the story of African-American heroes and heritage through a rich military history is a source of pride for all Texans, and TPWD is honored to celebrate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers during today’s event.”
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Franklin said the unveiling of the Founders Memorial plaque was a significant moment for the Buffalo Soldiers program.
“It pays tribute to the hard-working staff and volunteers that dedicated countless hours, weeks and years bringing part of Texas History and African American history to life,” he said. “It will forever serve as an homage to the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers program and its founders.”
More information about the Buffalo Soldiers program can be found on the TPWD website.
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