Pomona, CA — Ancestral storytelling and song filled Pomona’s African American Advisory Alliance Center Saturday in honor of the 160th anniversary of the United States’ Buffalo Soldiers formation.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation celebrated the legacy and impact ofBuffalo Soldiers in Nogales, Arizona. Exhibit-goers and proud descendants of the Buffalo Soldiers gathered to learn more about the soldiers, watch a children’s choir perform, and leave with a sense of ancestral pride.

The Buffalo Soldiers were the first all-Black regiments established by Congress in 1866. Tasked with protecting the western frontier of the U.S., their fierce fighting style and dark, curly hair reminded nearby Native Americans of therevered buffalo, which inspired their name. Their deep roots in historic U.S. battles continue to pave the way for Black service members today.

On display during the exhibit were the names of the Buffalo Soldiers of Nogales, Arizona, information specific to each soldier, and their lasting legacy. Joining the foundation was the Macedonia Baptist Church Children’s Choir, whoperformed the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier”.

Donna Jackson-Houston, founder of the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation, stood on stage to expand on the untold histories of Buffalo Soldiers in Nogales. Jackson-Houston’s grandfather, Lucius Franklin Monroe Jackson, servedin the 25th Infantry in Nogales as a Buffalo Soldier. She listed his legacy as the primary inspiration for the foundation’s beginnings.

Inland Valley News spoke with Donna Jackson-Houston about the organization, their accomplishments, and future goals.

“I learned about my family’s history five years ago, and that was so moving to me, so I decided to start this,” she said. “This has been such an amazing journey.”

Descendants from the Buffalo Soldiers in Nogales also got a chance to share their ancestors’ legacies with the audience. Rosenda Moore, also a member of the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation, shared her familial history in Nogales.Moore continued to emphasize their gratitude for the community that has been built upon the contributions of their ancestors.

“I’ve created a village,” said Jackson-Houston.

As the celebration prioritized the honorable contributions of the soldiers nationwide, event goers were also reminded of the oppressive and discriminatory conditions endured by the regiments.

Jackson-Houston encouraged listeners to embrace both aspects of Black history.

“All of the atrocities committed against us, and we’re still here. Be resilient, be empowered. You have to look from your past and get grounded, then move forward. That’s what I’m trying to do with this. I’m gonna do my part,” she told us.

Since their beginnings, the Nogales Buffalo Soldier Legacy Foundation has done an immense amount of work in the community- their main mission being to partner with schools nationwide to highlight the accomplishments of the BuffaloSoldiers. From their efforts, every January, K-12 students in Nogales, Arizona will now collectively participate in the celebration of the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers.

“It’s engaging for our youth, our students,” she said. “They dance, they sing. Nogales, Arizona will be able to talk about their history with African-Americans.”

The organization’s efforts have not only been recognized locally, but nationally. Senator Susan Rubio (D- Baldwin Park)presented a resolution to the foundation, stating that they be formally commended for their contributions nationwide. Jackson-Houston later announced that she will soon be attending a conference in Washington, D.C. on National Buffalo Soldier Day to speak more with elected officials regarding the Buffalo Soldiers.

“It’s been a blessing. I’ve been so well received,” she told us.

Moving forward, Jackson-Houston is pushing for the histories to be further recognized in California communities. Sheexpressed gratitude to all of the organizations that have supported her cause. Jackson-Houston continues to be a community griot for the Buffalo Soldiers, maintaining that their legacy is one to be remembered and not forgotten.