2022-2023 State Project - "Ready and Forward"

The 2022-2023 T.S.C.A.R. Project recognizes an American legacy. It honors the significant valor, patriotism, and decades of service of the Buffalo Soldiers, while expanding educational opportunities offered through the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Buffalo Soldiers were African-American soldiers who mainly served on the western frontier, monitoring Native American populations, assisting civil authorities, constructing thousands of miles of roads, and protecting settlers following the American Civil War. Their service continued in countless military conflicts throughout the history of the United States. These soldiers established the historic tradition of an African-American military presence. Their courage and discipline changed the way America and the U.S. Military viewed race.

Comprised of Black Civil War Soldiers, former slaves, and freemen, the Buffalo Soldiers served in the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments. Remembering the 10th Cavalry’s motto, the 2022-2023 Project Theme, is “Ready and Forward”.

The Soldiers were honorably nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers” as Native Americans observed their naturally curly hair and valor, comparing them to the mighty buffalo. Similar to a buffalo, when wounded or cornered, the soldiers fought fiercely, displaying uncommon stamina and courage. As Native Americans relied on the buffalo and viewed it as a symbol of strength, generosity, and spirit, the Buffalo Soldiers wore the nickname as a badge of honor.

The respectable soldiers had great pride for their country. While contending with challenging terrain and weather, inadequate supplies, and discrimination, their regiments still had the lowest desertion rate in the U.S. Army. The story of the Buffalo Soldiers remains one of unsurpassed courage and patriotism and will forever be a significant part of the history of America and Texas.

The 2022-2023 project beneficiary is the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Founded in Houston, in 2001 by U.S. Army Veteran and historian, Capt. Paul J. Matthews, the museum tells the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and the important history of African Americans in the U.S. Military. With the vision to extend public knowledge, the museum preserves, promotes, and perpetuates the history and traditions of the Buffalo Soldiers. Through performing and visual arts, educational programming, and exhibitions, the museum displays the Buffalo Soldiers valuable defense of America.

The museum only utilizes the first floor of their building. However, many valuable artifacts are ready to catalog and preserve when the second floor is prepared to open to the public. T.S.C.A.R. will assist the museum in working towards this expansion and will provide means to store and display items and records. With a goal of raising $20,000 for the expansion of the museum, they can broaden their mission of educating, preserving, and promoting. Any additional funds that exceed the goal will be donated to the museum to further improve its second floor and the experiences which it will offer.

"Ready and Forward", honoring the significant legacy, valor, patriotism, and decades of service of the Buffalo Soldiers, while expanding educational opportunities offered through the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas. We can't wait to learn more about the connections between the Buffalo Soldiers and our local communities across Texas - and beyond!