“In thinking of America, I sometimes find myself admiring her bright blue sky — her grand old woods — her fertile fields — her beautiful rivers — her mighty lakes, and star-crowned mountains. But my rapture is soon checked, my joy is soon turned to mourning. When I remember that all is cursed with the infernal actions of slaveholding, robbery and wrong, — when I remember that with the waters of her noblest rivers, the tears of my brethren are borne to the ocean, disregarded and forgotten, and that her most fertile fields drink daily of the warm blood of my outraged sisters, I am filled with unutterable loathing.” - Frederick Douglas
Miriam Webster defines a patriot as a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
But what happens when the country you serve doesn’t serve you back?
And what if the enemy isn’t an enemy at all?
This is the history of America’s expansion west. And of the soldiers who led the way.
It is a complicated story. But the relationship that Black people have had to the government and the military has always been so.
There are no victors or villains in this retelling. Just great feats that were achieved by proud men, and profound defeats that were suffered by our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
This is the story of The Buffalo Soldiers.
Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the music or speech excepts reference or played during this broadcast. You can find original content that was referenced or played here:
Buffalo Soldier | Bob Marley & The Wailers:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7BfW1eoDh27W69nxsmRicb?si=4596f6853e7442ac
Kiss an Angel Good Mornin' | Charley Pride:
https://open.spotify.com/track/37GWhu8R61gTStMvVQfDuE?si=143088b5f54d4760