If you wonder where the name Buffalo Soldier came from its the stuff of legends. Some speak of a black soldier who's unit was attacked by Cherokee Indians who say he was shot and stabbed 11 times, but he fought off his attackers. The Indians went on to speak of a man who fought like a wild buffalo and who like a buffalo, did not die.
The Buffalo Soldiers, America's unsung heroes, established by Congress as the first peace time all black regiments in the US Army.
The primary duty of the Buffalo Soldiers was for all black soldiers with white officers and their primary duty was to keep the west open . They built towns and their contribution was tremendous.
If you do any research in regards to the Buffalo Soldiers there is very little that is taught in schools. That's where the Buffalo Soldiers Organization come in.
James Mills is a First Sergeant of the organization. He runs the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Center in Rouge Park in Detroit. Mills hopes the horses that live in the stables create an experience they may provide a learning tool for Detroit area children.
"Children are fascinated with horses and the only time they saw horses was from the police, but being up here they are able to interact with them," says Mills.
Along with the horses that kids can interact with, the building houses replica memorabilia that Buffalo Soldiers would have used, including jackets, weapons, a Civil War era saddle, even forks and knives the soldiers would have used.
The building, sadly, is falling apart and all the history it houses could be lost if something is not done.
Here's their wish: bleach, disinfectants, bug and mosquito spray, horse care products and lead ropes.
And keep this in mind, when they open this spring, children can ride the horses and learn about history for just a few bucks. Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association 21800 Joy Road Detroit, Michigan 48239
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
