Today we’d like to introduce you to George Pettigrew.
Hi George, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was July 28, 1966, that Buffalo Soldier veterans from WWII executed a charter and establishing themselves as the world’s first Buffalo Soldiers chapter. This occurred in the famed Kansas City 18th and Vine District at the SE corner of 18th and Highland Avenue at what was the National Guard Armory. This all happened within two blocks of the birthplace of the Negro Leagues and half a block from the Mutual Musician Hall.
Today, the Alexander/Madison Chapter of KC Buffalo Soldiers is a 501(c)3 that promotes the legacy of the first Black Army Regulars, the Buffalo Soldiers. As a chapter we make hundreds of oral historical presentations around the Kansas City area, across Kansas and Missouri, and from Illinois to New Mexico and Colorado. With over a half dozen Certified Oral and Written Storytellers we are active members of the Missouri Humanities Speakers’ Bureau performing in period uniforms at public and private sessions for schools, historical societies, businesses and corporations, churches, governments, and veterans’ organizations.
From our beginning in 1966 we have continued to share the bravery and valor of the African American in service to our nation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It would seem that the road was smooth considering that the original purveyors of the Buffalo Soldiers history were themselves former Buffalo Soldiers that were the last to serve under that historic nickname, given originally by the Plains Indians in Western Kansas. Presumably after experiencing these “Sable Soldiers” in action, troop movements, and battles.
Today there is an outreach to have us present our stories under the title “Slave to Soldier.” It is gratifying that people are interested in this part of American history that is known but heretofore not very well explained. A story of many parts from the Indian Wars to Korea when the last “Buffalo Soldier” unit was no longer segregated.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are Certified Oral Storytellers specializing in the history of the Buffalo Soldiers. We are known for our accurate historical stories researched and varied to the best of our ability. We are recognized as subject matter experts in the American saga of the Buffalo Soldiers. Most of our principal storytellers are in some way related to Buffalo Soldiers and even back to the Revolutionary War.
We cover the iterations of what began as Buffalo Soldiers in the Army’s model of African American inclusion as professional soldiers. Some better-known units include the 6888 Postal Directory Battalion, Harlem Hellfighters, and the Tuskegee Airmen not to mention the famed 9th and 10th Cavalry.
What sets us apart is that we make our presentations in period uniforms and clothes befitting the characters presented. Our presentations are custom tailored and offered online or in-person. We are life-long learners and storytellers.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I find it amazing myself about the backstories of the members of our troop. Donna Madison is the daughter of one of the co-founders of the first Buffalo Soldiers chapter and her father rode with the Red Ball Express earning 3 Bronze Stars, “JR” Bruce, our president, has 4 Bronze Stars for Valor in Combat in Viet Nam. Trooper Frand Richardson earned the Silver Star, and his wife and son carry on since his recent passing. Fred Jones is the descendent of a U.S. Congressman and a Postmaster during Reconstruction.
My grate grandfather, Pvt. Isaac Johnson was an original Buffalo Soldier who enlisted May 6, 1867, and served in the 38th and 24th Infantry and the 9th Cavalry. Most of our members have served in the Armed Services or are related to veterans. We are invested one way or another in the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Pricing:
- Our one-hour presentations average $300.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BuffaloSoldiersKC.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buffalosoldierskc
