‘Duty to keep their stories alive’: Huntsville commemorates legacy of Buffalo Soldiers

HUNTSVILLE – Honoring the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, the city of Huntsville recognized the Buffalo Soldiers during a ceremony at the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldier Memorial Monument in northwest Huntsville.

Held in recognition of National Buffalo Soldiers Day, Monday’s event paid tribute to the first all-Black regiments in the U.S. Army and their historical ties to Huntsville’s Cavalry Hill, where members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment encamped from 1898-1899 following the Spanish-American War.

“This monument stands as a tribute,” said Mayor Tommy Battle, “not only to the 10th Cavalry Regiment but to the resilience, courage and legacy of all Black service members.”

Huntsville’s Buffalo Soldier Memorial on Poplar Avenue is one of only three in the U.S. and the only one east of the Mississippi River.

The bronze statue of Sgt. George Berry, who carried the regimental flag at San Juan Hill, serves as a powerful reminder of bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity.

“Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers is about more than remembering their time here,” said Dr. Randy Barbour, director of the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. “It’s about recognizing their strength, resilience and sacrifice in the face of injustice.”

The commemoration included remarks from District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins and Alabama A&M’s Veronica Henderson, a presentation of colors by Lee High School’s JROTC, and a moving “Say Their Names” tribute by Lee High School Performing Arts Magnet student Alivia Toney, who recited names of 10th Cavalry soldiers.

Buffalo Soldier re-enactors William Hampton, Peggy Towns, Dr. John Humphrey and Ashley Humphrey brought history to life with a live dialogue, while Willie Smith and Jewell Cheatham helped lay a ceremonial wreath. Reneda Kelley performed “Amazing Grace,” and the program concluded with a benediction by Rev. Ophelia Davis.

“It is our duty to keep their stories alive, not just in books or museums, but in our hearts, our conversations and our classrooms,” said Watkins. “When we speak their names and teach their sacrifices, we ensure they are never forgotten.”