Black History Month Rewind: Buffalo Soldiers (Fighting on Two Fronts) — with Nick Brooks

EPISODE SUMMARY
In honor of Black History Month, we’re rewinding some of Armchair Historians’ strongest episodes that spotlight Black history, Black voices, and stories that deserve more room in the public memory.

Today’s rewind revisits my conversation with Air Force veteran and Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle member Nick Brooks—an episode I think about often. Nick helps us move beyond the simplified version of the story and into the lived reality: Black soldiers who served with extraordinary skill and grit, even while fighting for a country that denied them full citizenship and dignity.

We also talk about the documentary Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, the complicated legacy of westward expansion, and why telling the full story still matters.

CONTENT NOTE
This episode includes discussion of U.S. westward expansion and the displacement/violence experienced by Native communities, alongside racism faced by Black soldiers within U.S. institutions.

IN THIS EPISODE
• Who the Buffalo Soldiers were (9th & 10th Cavalry; 24th & 25th Infantry) and why the regiments were formed after the Civil War
• The “two fronts” they fought on: military conflict and the fight for recognition/civil rights
• The complicated legacy of serving the U.S. government during westward expansion
• Buffalo Soldiers as early protectors of what would become U.S. National Parks
• How living history work helps preserve legacy—and why it matters for community and veterans

GUEST
Nick Brooks — Air Force veteran and member of Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle (living historians preserving and teaching Buffalo Soldiers history).

LINKS & RESOURCES (as mentioned / helpful follow-up)

Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle:
• https://www.buffalosoldiersofseattle.org/

Documentary: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts (Dru Holley)
• Official film site: https://buffalosoldiersmovie.com/
• See the film / screenings page: https://buffalosoldiersmovie.com/seethefilm
• Host a screening (includes contact email + toolkit info): https://buffalosoldiersmovie.com/hostascreening
• Stream via PBS (Local, USA): https://www.pbs.org/video/buffalo-soldiers-fighting-on-two-fronts-e3yici/

Film & community partners mentioned:
• Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF): https://www.siff.net/
• Path with Art: https://www.pathwithart.org/

Museums mentioned:
• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (Houston): https://buffalosoldiersmuseum.org/
• Buffalo Soldiers Museum (Tacoma): https://buffalosoldierstacoma.org/

National Parks connection (Buffalo Soldiers as early park protectors):
• NPS — Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/historyculture/buffalo-soldiers.htm
• NPS video — Yosemite’s Buffalo Soldiers: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=E716F219-C864-EBCC-6A4A60D9DEF0C715

Pop-culture thread mentioned (Bass Reeves / “Lone Ranger” legend):
• NPS — Bass Reeves (Fort Smith NHS): https://www.nps.gov/fosm/learn/historyculture/bass_reeves.htm
• History.com overview of the claim + uncertainty:

Support Armchair Historians:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/armchairhistorians
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/belgiumrabbitproductions

Check out Anne Marie's historical fiction and download free short story: A.M. Cannon website: www.amcannon.com

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.