The Buffalo Soldiers
By Michael Monroe
Posted: 4:49p.m .est, October 08, 2006

Mr. Edwin Bethea, Former Principal of Cobb Middle School

The Buffalo Soldiers, comprised of former slaves, freemen and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime. During the Civil War conflict, more than 180,000 African Americans fought. Another 30,000 served in the Navy, and 200,000 served as workers on labor, engineering, hospital and other military support projects. More than 33,000 of these gallant soldiers gave their lives for the sake of freedom and their country. Shortly after the Civil War, Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments: Six all Black peacetime units. Later the four infantry regiments were merged into the 24th and 25th Infantries.

Once the Westward movement had begun, prominent among those blazing treacherous trails of the Wild West were the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army. These African Americans were charged with and responsible for escorting settlers, cattle herds, and railroad crews despite frequently being subjected to the harshest of conditions, dealing with racial issues, poor food, equipment and shelter. In spite of these deprivations, the morale of these soldiers
remained high.

The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments also conducted campaigns on the western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. The combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to call them “Buffalo Soldiers.” Many Indians believe the name symbolized the Native American’s respect for the Buffalo Soldiers’ bravery and valor. Others say it was due to the similarity of the soldier’s hair to that of the hair surrounding the buffalo’s head. Buffalo Soldiers, down through the years, have worn the name with pride.

Buffalo Soldiers participated in many other military campaigns: The Spanish American War, The Philippine Insurrection, The Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, and the Korean Police Action. Much have changed since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers, including the integration of all military servicemen and women, however, the story of the Buffalo Soldiers remain one of unsurpassed courage and patriotism, and will be forever a significant part of the history of America.

On October 2, 2005, Tallahassee won approval to establish a Buffalo Soldiers of Tallahassee Motorcycle Club from the Southeastern Frontier chapters of the National Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Clubs (NABSMC). This establishes a modern progressive motorcycle club whose focus is to promote a positive image among bikers that would be respected in the community and throughout the country.

The Tallahassee chapter consist of 28 men and woman. The Buffalo Soldiers of Tallahassee Motorcycle Club seeks to be an active participant in numerous charitable functions including supporting senior citizen homes, student scholarships and food and fund drives for charitable organizations. The club has also taken the responsibility of
mentoring to the area’s youth and educational programs, which share enlightenment of the heritage that African Americans and Buffalo Soldiers have played in the United States and in the many military conflicts since colonial days. The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Tallahassee is hosting its annual charity event on April 20-21, 2007. This year the club’s proceeds will benefit a local charity, Mothers in Crisis. This organization tirelessly serve others in our community and are funded primarily by donations. Our aim is to show support of Mothers in Crisis by rallying the Tallahassee biking community around this noble and much needed cause. We are inviting motorcyclist from around the country to participate in this endeavor and more than 200 have already answered the call.

 

 

The Buffalo Soldiers Come to Cobb Middle School
By Geneva H. Westley

 

(L) Mrs. Westley, teacher, Mr. Bob McDaris, Principal, beside Buffalo Soldier (Center) Cobb Student
Mr. Edwin Bethea, Former Principal and Mr. Bob McDaris, Principal

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Tallahassee participated in an evening of Black History at Cobb Middle School. To educate and promote the legacy of the original Buffalo Soldiers that were the first all black regiments of the regular U.S. Army is an important program for the group. Their presentation documented the role of the soldiers that patrolled the western part of the United States during the 1800’s on horseback. A little known fact about the Buffalo Soldiers is that a woman served during the 1800’s.

Edwin Bethea, former principal of Cobb was delighted to come back and share with his former school. Bethea is also retired from the military. The club membership is made up primarily of retired military personnel and law enforcement officers. Each of the club members had to ride a total of 2,500 miles during the six months probationary period to qualify for full membership. Mr. Bob McDaris, principal of Cobb was delighted to see the group. He indicated that it is important that we all learn about our history as he thanked the group for coming to Cobb. It also served as a reunion for McDaris and Bethea that worked together under Bethea’s tenure as principal...Although educating the public on the accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers is important, Mr. Michael Monroe indicated that their mission is also to help. We are a part of this country and we must “make a positive change, one community at a time.” Currently there are over forty chapters and the young group that started nationally in Chicago in 1993 is continuing to expand into new territories.

After a question and answer session with parents, students and staff at Cobb, the group went outside to view the “iron horses” their motorcycles up close. Timothy Brooks asked his grandmother with excitement could he get on a motorcycle. Frank Williams helped him on his bike. Other students and staff also enjoyed the huge “iron horses.” As the light of day disappeared, the motorcycle club rode off into the sunset. The crowd cheers were drowned out by the roar of the motorcycles as they majestically departed the campus...

 

The members of the Tallahassee chapter consist of retired military members, a former school principal, teachers, business owners and other professionals. To learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers and the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Tallahassee, please visit BSMCtally.com

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