History

In the beginning, there was a group of black WWII veterans getting together to reminisce. On July 28, 1966, exactly 100 years after Congress established six all black units to serve in the U.S. peacetime army, they gathered at the old National Guard Armory on 19th & Vine, Kansas City, MO once again; but realized this time was special and the National Association was born. And 126th years later, a monument was dedicated to those first soldiers who's lives and heroic deeds lay silent and forgotten, was brought to light.

On July 25, 1992, the Greater Kansas City-Leavenworth Area Chapter (GKCLAC) was Chartered and established as the first chapter of the National 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Associations. After that historic day, several chapters followed GKCLAC in acquiring charters. The chapter was enunciated with requests for appearances and presenations. Overwhelmed, the president recruited volunteers to help with their work. The following is a summary of the Greater KC-Leavenworth Area Chapter's history:

  • Since July 1992, participated in community, city, and state activities - including states bordering Missouri.
  • April 1993, the chapter helped organize and charter, The Descendants and Friends of Buffalo Soldiers (DFBS) to accompany and support chapter members on trips and appearances.
  • Featured at Crown Center's Buffalo Soldier Display in 1993.
  • Helped Leavenworth Post Office sell Buffalo Soldier Stamp on 1st Day Issue at Fort Leavenworth, April 1994
  • Trooper Madison present at stamp unveiling with President Clinton at White House in 1994.
  • Instrumental in Hallmark Cards creation of the Buffalo Soldier Greeting Card in 1994.
  • August 1994, the National Association formed a Sales & Souvenir Committee headed by GKCLAC and was run by the Descendants and Friends of Buffalo Soldiers.
  • Sponsored Art & Literary Contests to encourage teachers and students to learn, study, and research history about the Buffalo Soldiers.
  • Gave $500 scholarship award to student with a GPA average (C) or above attending Community College/University who submitted an essay on Buffalo Soldier history or a Buffalo Soldier.
  • Purchased bricks in support of renovations of Union Station and WWI Liberty Memorial.
  • Brought in 9th & 10th Cavalry Flags at a Royal's game in late 1990's.
  • Hosted the 2000 millennium Reunion in KCMO.
  • The chapter had only one president, Trooper James G. Madison, until March 2014. Trooper Madison retired and became President Emeritus.
  • Trooper Madison has presented the Grierson Award to graduates at Post graduations from 1994 through 2014.

Comments 2

  1. Dear Buffalo Soldier’s Researcher,

    My name is Lawrence, I would like to know if your chapter could help me contact the right people in regards to Capt. Alonzo Myers, (1880-1938) a Buffalo Soldier and World War I Military Veteran from Philadelphia, PA. I have a collection of Capt. Myers, military commissions and citations, as well as his tour of duty written in his own hand writing of the Indians Wars out West, the Philippines War and the Cuban War. He died prematurely when he was struck by a taxicab in downtown Brooklyn, NY where he succumbed to his injuries. His story and military legacy is worth celebrating, will you help me.

    Is there a Philadelphia Chapter of the Buffalo Soldier’s? Please advise and thank you for your assistance.

    Reply

    1. Lawrence H. Levens
      Please go to Amazon Books:
      Searching for Buffalo Soldiers in the Philadelphia National Cemetery
      and
      Searching for Camp William Penn Buffalo Soldiers

      Reply

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