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On Friday, November 6, 2026, the World Affairs Council of Orange County is hosting its Annual Honoring Veterans Program at American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach. This year, we are proud to honor Black Veterans with our guest speaker, Bobby McDonald.

The Black veterans known as “Buffalo Soldiers” are an integral part of the United States military and African-American history. To celebrate this year’s Honoring Veterans program, here is a spotlight on this fascinating aspect of American history.

Origins and Formation:

According to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the term “Buffalo Soldiers” was coined by Native Americans because the soldiers’ dark, curly hair resembled a buffalo’s mane, or because of their fierce fighting style, which reminded tribes of the Great Plains buffalo.

The first prominent use of Buffalo Soldiers occurred after the American Civil War, when over 180,000 African American troops served in the U.S. Colored Troops. The famous nickname that Native Americans bestowed became a source of pride, and the name eventually came to encompass all-Black Army units until the military desegregated after World War II.

Western Expansion:

Continuing to one of their most famous portrayals, the Buffalo Soldiers would play a central role in the U.S. Western expansion across much of the Southwest and Great Plains. Assigned mostly to dangerous duties in unfamiliar territory, Buffalo Soldiers would serve as guards for convoys and post carriers while assisting with the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

Buffalo Soldiers would often battle with Native American tribes such as the Apache. A notable conflict occurred in 1879 during the Ute War in Colorado, where, according to the Smithsonian, Private Henry Johnson of Company D earned the Medal of Honor for risking his life to bring water to downed soldiers. 

Complex Legacy and Historical Impact:

Despite their valor, the legacy of Buffalo Soldiers is complex and bittersweet. While Buffalo Soldiers symbolized significant triumph and breaking of societal barriers in racial dynamics, returning Black soldiers were confronted with persistent and severe discrimination and racial violence. 

A theme emerged: despite demonstrating long, hard military sacrifice, equality and the full benefits of citizenship were not achieved.

Today, the sacrifices and cultural contributions of Buffalo Soldiers are evident in the U.S. military and culture, especially in media such as movies and songs like Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier.” Just like the Black soldiers known as Buffalo Soldiers, their legacy of strength and resilience lives on.

Special Thanks to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Wounded Warrior Project for their research and sources on Buffalo Soldiers.