Buffalo Soldiers return to ASU
Kevin Pitchford
Issue date: 3/3/09 Section: Arts & Life
Long ignored by Hollywood, the Buffalo Soldiers were an integral part of westward expansion in the United States.
While Billy the Kid and Sitting Bull took center stage in many films, the Buffalo Soldiers, who dueled with both of them, are often ignored.
The soldiers defended forts and settlements from desperados and other unsavory characters.
Mike Searles, assistant professor of history, said many towns in the West preferred the Buffalo Soldiers to the U.S. military for security needs.
Still, they were more than hired guns. The vast telegraph network, which stretched throughout the United States, was built with their assistance. At the time, it was a marvel to behold.
Searles wrote "Buffalo Soldiers in the West." The book is only one of his efforts; another was on display on Feb. 16, when the Buffalo Soldiers of Greater Atlanta visited Augusta State University.
Known around campus as "Cowboy Mike," Searles donned a red jacket with that moniker on the back during the event.
This year's festivities began in Galloway Hall. Attendees viewed a Powerpoint presentation featuring Old West art from an African-American perspective.
The art was from a unique exhibit from Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Ga., titled "The Black West: Buffalo Soldiers, Black Cowboys and Untold Stories."
The exhibit featured works, such as Thomas Blackshear's "Texas Chillin,'" which depicts a black cowboy with a cigarette in one hand and a lasso in the other.
A video detailing the history of the Buffalo Soldiers was also shown. Following the film was a Q&A. Trooper Bruce Milligan, a Buffalo Soldier of Greater Atlanta, said "I enjoy the lectures."
Following the Q&A, Victoria Levines, a freshman education major, said "I learned a lot… I had a good time."
Afterward, the festivities moved to the field between Science Hall and the amphitheater.
The Buffalo Soldiers rode their steeds, galloping to and fro as Searles offered interesting tidbits about the soldiers and their horses.
He told the story of Cathy Williams, who posed as a man named William Cathy to gain entrance into the military. Williams stood by her horse and answered questions.
For the most part, as Williams remarked, the Buffalo Soldiers pay for everything out of their own pockets.
Therefore, as Searles said, "They need to take care of their jobs to take care of their horses."
While handing out wooden nickels to children, Searles recruited onlookers to join the Buffalo Soldiers.
"No excuses!" he shouted.
When the Buffalo Soldiers finished their equine maneuvers, spectators had the opportunity to pet the horses and take pictures while sitting on top of them. Between classes, students strolled over and looked at the horses.
While Billy the Kid and Sitting Bull took center stage in many films, the Buffalo Soldiers, who dueled with both of them, are often ignored.
The soldiers defended forts and settlements from desperados and other unsavory characters.
Mike Searles, assistant professor of history, said many towns in the West preferred the Buffalo Soldiers to the U.S. military for security needs.
Still, they were more than hired guns. The vast telegraph network, which stretched throughout the United States, was built with their assistance. At the time, it was a marvel to behold.
Searles wrote "Buffalo Soldiers in the West." The book is only one of his efforts; another was on display on Feb. 16, when the Buffalo Soldiers of Greater Atlanta visited Augusta State University.
Known around campus as "Cowboy Mike," Searles donned a red jacket with that moniker on the back during the event.
This year's festivities began in Galloway Hall. Attendees viewed a Powerpoint presentation featuring Old West art from an African-American perspective.
The art was from a unique exhibit from Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Ga., titled "The Black West: Buffalo Soldiers, Black Cowboys and Untold Stories."
The exhibit featured works, such as Thomas Blackshear's "Texas Chillin,'" which depicts a black cowboy with a cigarette in one hand and a lasso in the other.
A video detailing the history of the Buffalo Soldiers was also shown. Following the film was a Q&A. Trooper Bruce Milligan, a Buffalo Soldier of Greater Atlanta, said "I enjoy the lectures."
Following the Q&A, Victoria Levines, a freshman education major, said "I learned a lot… I had a good time."
Afterward, the festivities moved to the field between Science Hall and the amphitheater.
The Buffalo Soldiers rode their steeds, galloping to and fro as Searles offered interesting tidbits about the soldiers and their horses.
He told the story of Cathy Williams, who posed as a man named William Cathy to gain entrance into the military. Williams stood by her horse and answered questions.
For the most part, as Williams remarked, the Buffalo Soldiers pay for everything out of their own pockets.
Therefore, as Searles said, "They need to take care of their jobs to take care of their horses."
While handing out wooden nickels to children, Searles recruited onlookers to join the Buffalo Soldiers.
"No excuses!" he shouted.
When the Buffalo Soldiers finished their equine maneuvers, spectators had the opportunity to pet the horses and take pictures while sitting on top of them. Between classes, students strolled over and looked at the horses.
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