Donna Jackson-Houston, founder of the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation, received framed recognition during the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers’ 5th Annual Tribute, commemorating the 160th anniversary of the U.S. Buffalo Soldiers and honoring their enduring legacy of courage, service and sacrifice. / IVN Photo by Julissa Wilson
Pomona, CA — Ancestral storytelling and song filled Pomona’s African American Advisory Alliance Center Saturday in honor of the 160th anniversary of the United States’ Buffalo Soldiers formation.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation celebrated the legacy and impact ofBuffalo Soldiers in Nogales, Arizona. Exhibit-goers and proud descendants of the Buffalo Soldiers gathered to learn more about the soldiers, watch a children’s choir perform, and leave with a sense of ancestral pride.
The Buffalo Soldiers were the first all-Black regiments established by Congress in 1866. Tasked with protecting the western frontier of the U.S., their fierce fighting style and dark, curly hair reminded nearby Native Americans of therevered buffalo, which inspired their name. Their deep roots in historic U.S. battles continue to pave the way for Black service members today.
On display during the exhibit were the names of the Buffalo Soldiers of Nogales, Arizona, information specific to each soldier, and their lasting legacy. Joining the foundation was the Macedonia Baptist Church Children’s Choir, whoperformed the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier”.
Donna Jackson-Houston, founder of the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation, stood on stage to expand on the untold histories of Buffalo Soldiers in Nogales. Jackson-Houston’s grandfather, Lucius Franklin Monroe Jackson, servedin the 25th Infantry in Nogales as a Buffalo Soldier. She listed his legacy as the primary inspiration for the foundation’s beginnings.
Inland Valley News spoke with Donna Jackson-Houston about the organization, their accomplishments, and future goals.
“I learned about my family’s history five years ago, and that was so moving to me, so I decided to start this,” she said. “This has been such an amazing journey.”
Descendants from the Buffalo Soldiers in Nogales also got a chance to share their ancestors’ legacies with the audience. Rosenda Moore, also a member of the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation, shared her familial history in Nogales.Moore continued to emphasize their gratitude for the community that has been built upon the contributions of their ancestors.
“I’ve created a village,” said Jackson-Houston.
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Article By: Julissa Wilson, Inland Valley News
