Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument

About Us

Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona (Independent Organization). Website: https://www.buffalosoldiersaztrty.smugmug.com. Copyright 2007 - 2019

On April 5, 2018, Senate Bill1179, Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers Monument was approved and signed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Secretary of State Michele Reagan. Our organization is the proponent for the SB1179 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers and is solely commissioned with responsiblity to erect a monument located at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona. Prime Sponsors: Senator Catherine Miranda SB1179 and Representative Richard Andrade HB2419 Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers

Young Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Mesa, Arizona

Our Future Leaders

Buffalo Soldiers and Young Buffalo Soldier of the Arizona Territory and Ladies of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona

Ladies and Gentlemen is one of Honor, Dignity and Respect.

HISTORY OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS, 1866 - 1902

Buffalo Soldier, 9th Cavalry

The first black regiment to arrive at Fort Huachuca, Arizona was the 24th Infantry which sent companies there in 1892. During the next year, the entire regiment would come together at the fort. Here they remained until 1896.

Companies A and H of the 25th Infantry regiment took up residence in Fort Huachuca Canyon in 1898, after returning from fighting in Cuba, and A Company remained there until the end of April 1899.

Although the 9th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments had all served briefly at Fort Huachuca during the 1890s, it wasn't until the 10th Cavalry, or the "Buffalo Soldiers," arrived there in December 1913 that the continuous era of black soldiers began at Huachuca.

Cathy Williams From Slave to 1st Female Buffalo Soldier, 1866 - 1868 will be seated at the memorial

Cathy Williams the First Female Buffalo Soldier, 38th Infantry, Company A, 1866 - 1868.

Cathy Williams, a former slave, enlisted in the U.S. Army. Cathy disguised herself as a man and assuming the name "William Cathay" as she became the First Female Buffalo Soldier. Enlisted: November 15, 1866. Discharged: October 14, 1868. At that time, women were not allowed to serve as soldiers..

Cathy Williams was pressed into service in 1861 by the Union Army in Missouri. Cathy was 17 years old when the Union Army pressed her into service as a laundress and cook. She served in the Indian Wars as a Buffalo Soldier - the first and only female ever to do so.

The recruiter assigned her to the 38th U.S. Infantry, Company A as William Cathay, a 22 year-old, 5'9, black-eyed cook with black hair and black complexion.

Her cousin and a friend, both male, served with her and kept her secret.

Cathy knew that in addition to earning an income, she would also receive health benefits, opportunities for education, and eventually a pension. She didn't want to be married of have children, she wanted to be an independent and make her own living and not be dependent on relations or friends.

Cathy never received her pension as a Buffalo Soldier.

Colonel Charles Young, Buffalo Soldier, 10th Cavalry

Third African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy in 1889. He served at Fort Huachuc

Charles Young was born to enslaved parents Gabriel and Arminta Young in Mayslick, Kentucky on March 12, 1864.

He entered West Point in 1889 and became only the third African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy in 1889. His military career spanned 33 years of segregated service. He was the highest-ranking African American in the United States Forces from 1894 until his death in 1922.

Colonel Charles Young, Buffalo Soldier, 10th Cavalry

Black Cavalryman, Fort Huachuca Commander , and Early Intelligence Officer

Major Charles Young one of the six Negro officers of the Army and our Squadron Commander,.

Young was recalled to active duty in 1919 as military attache to Liberial while on an intelligence mission he became critically ill, died and was buried in Lagos, Nigeria on January 8, 1922. He was buried with military honors rendered by British Troops. He was re-buried in Arlington National Cemetery on June 1st, 1923.

FUNDRAISER $440,436

GOALS

* One year to raise the funds, 2018 - December 2019

* One year to erect the monument

* Unveiling date proposal: Year 2020

DONORS

Any amount donated is appreciated.

$25 $50 $75 $100 $200

FUNDRAISING MEMORIAL BRICKS

1.) $100 for 4 x 8" Brick - 3 lines 20 characters per line

2.) $200 for 8 x 8" Brick - 6 lines 20 characters per line OR your Corporate logo add $50

SPONSORS BENEFITS:

** Your organization's name and logo displayed on all event materials, including invitations, e-blasts, electronic advertisement, Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument website, event program and press releases.

ALL SPONSORS WILL HAVE THEIR NAMES INCLUDED ON A PERMANENT PLAQUE ON THE MEMORIAL WALL AT THE ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL WESLEY BOLIN PLAZA IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA.

1.) Medal of Honor Sponsors, $25,000

2.) Valor Sponsors, $20.000

3.) Silver Star Sponsors, $15,000

4.) Bronze Star Sponsors, $10,000

5.) Buffalo Soldiers, $5,000

6.) Meritorious Service Sponsors, $2,500

VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS, NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS and INDIVIDUALS will be listed on the monument website and flyers.

1. Eagle Sponsor - $1,000

2. Honor Sponsor - $500

3. Supporting Sponsor - $250

Thank you so much for your kind donation and support for the BUFFALO SOLDIERS AZ TERRITORY MONUMENT to be placed at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona.

The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona is an Independent Organization, is organized under IRS Section Non-profit 501(c)(3) as a public charity. Filed Number: 14121954. Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument, Filed Number: 28871971. EIN: 51-0662449

Our organization is solely commissioned with the responsibility to erect a monument.

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYMENT TO:

Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument

P.O. Box 20883

Mesa, AZ 85277-0883

*You will receive an acknowledgement receipt for your tax deducible donation.

Purpose and Mission - SB1179 Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers

Official AZ Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Mesa, AZ (Independent Organization)

The proponent of the SB1179 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers Monument.

This organization is a Non-profit 501(c)(3) and Federal Tax Exempt.

On December 3, 2007, a husband and wife team, Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, founded the first Buffalo Soldiers organization in the East Valley. We are a family oriented organization and we have children who taken part in this historical moment in time. The organization has taken part in over 325 events and more are pending.

The purpose and mission of the organization is "Keeping History Alive" by educating people about the significant contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers 1866 - 1902... especially here in Arizona.

Our mission is to support and educate the citizens of the Great State of Arizona on the accomplishments and personal sacrifices of the historical Buffalo Soldiers, 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry legends. The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory is determined to ensure the heritage of that period and the Black Americans of that time are not lost to destiny.

The regiment is a group of individuals who research and re-enact the parts of history and the characters of the Old West. The Buffalo Soldiers were somehow forgotten in the pages of our history books.

OUR THEME

"To acknowledge the heroic stand of all those years ago that the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry, Year: 1866 - 1902 was seeking equality for all, which made this diversity of choice possible today. Buffalo Soldiers stood for Courage, Sacrifice, Bravery, Loyalty and Devotion to Duty."

SENATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE HEARING, SB1179 BILL MEMORIAL:BUFFALO SOLDIERS

HOUSE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

HEARING, HB2419 BILL MEMORIAL:BUFFALO SOLDIERS

On February 14, 2018, Senator Catherine Miranda and the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona attending the hearing of the SB1179 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers on the Senate Government Committee Floor.

CONGRATS... Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable as the proponent of SB1179 Bill Memorial:Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory's SB1179 Bill passed.

HISTORY BEING MADE

On February 1, 2018, House of Representative Richard Andrade and the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Mesa, Arizona attending of the HB2419 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers on the House of Representatives Government Committee Floor.

CONGRATS... Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable as the proponent of HB2419 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory's HB2419 Bill passed.

HISTORY BEING MADE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE SB1179 Bill Memorial:Buffalo Soldiers

ARIZONA STATE SENATE - SENATOR CATHERINE MIRANDA, SB1179 MEMORIAL: BUFFALO SOLDIERS AUTHENTIC LETTER

Cmdr. Fred Marable and Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable's SB1179 Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers

On May 8, 2018

The Honorable Michele Reagan Secretary of State of Arizona

Dear Ms. Reagan:

I was honored to be the prime sponsor for Senate Bill 1179, at the request of Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, founders of the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona.

Commander Marable and Deputy Commander London-Marable asked me to sponsor the aforementioned bill to create a Buffalo Soldiers Memorial at the Arizona State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona, having presented the proposal "U.S. Army 1866 - 1902 Buffalo Soldiers Memorial, dated July 20th, 2017.

The aforementioned bill was passed on April 2nd, 2018, and, subsequently, signed by Arizona State Governor Doug Ducey on April 5th, 2018.

Therefore, I would appreciate if you would kindly transmit a copy of this Memorial Act to Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, Founders, Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, AZ, for their organization records and fundraisers for the monument, at their address:

I commend Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable for their selfless efforts and countless hours of work to keep alive the history of Buffalo Soldiers for the State of Arizona.

Sincerely,

Catherine Miranda

Arizona State Senator

House of Representative Richard Andrade HB2419 Bill Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers - Emails

August 24, 2017

Dear Commander Marable and Deputy London-Marable.

"Please share that your bill has a sponsor for the Buffalo Soldier Memorial, which will be introduced next legislative session. Once session begins, I will be in constant contact with you on when the bill will be assigned to committee, as which time I encourage you and supporters to testify in committee."

January 9, 2018

Dear Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable,

"Enclosed is the draft language of your bill. It will be assigned a bill number once I have dropped it into the hopper which I am hopeful by the end of this week."

January 17, 2018

Dear Cmdr. Fred Marable and Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable,

"I have dropped your bill in the hopper and is now HB 2419, Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers. With 48 Representatives and 4 Senators signing on."

"I will keep you updated on when the bill will be heard in committee so you can testify in support of it. IT IS AN HONOR TO SPONSOR YOUR BILL."

January 28, 2018

Dear Commander Marable and Deputy Commander London-Marable,

"Your bill is being heard on Thursday, February 1st. I have included the agenda for your reference. Please let me know if you will be testifying to the committee."

"Also, if you have any sketches of the Memorial it is highly advisable to present them during committee as well."

"Please let other supporters know we need their support during committee as well."

February 15, 2018

Dear Commander Marable and Deputy London-Marable,

"It is with great honor that I report to you, HB2419 Buffalo Soldiers Memorial has passed 3rd Read with a unanimous vote, 59 Ayes, 1 Absent."

"It will now go to the Senate and go through the same process, unless the Senate passes the mirror bill then it will go directly to the Governor for signing."

"THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT HONOR OF BEING THE SPONSOR OF YOUR BILL."

Preserving the Past, 1866 - 1902

Fundraising is at Hand

In an effort to facilitate and generate donations, we are initiating a fundraiser wherein individuals donating will be recognized at various levels as sponsor. Any amount donated to the Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument is appreciated.

We are Proud to Announce Congratulations of the Highest Honor by the Great State of Arizona

By Congressional authority, the Great State of Arizona has offiically awarded the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona (Independent Organization) with the recognition by granting a permanent memorial on the grounds of Arizona State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona.

By design, the monument will feature three life-size bronze figures.

Real Testimonials

We are very proud of our accomplishments and our sustaining efforts to educate our fellow Americans about the contributions made by the Buffalo Soldiers as they served our country.

Share the Big News

The Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment we are proud to announce that we are the proponent for the SB1179 Bill and HB2419 Bill: Memorial: Buffalo Soldiers.

"Our Hard Work Has Paid Off"

FAQs

Questions:

1. Who were the two individuals that seek Senator Catherine Miranda and House Representative Richard Andrade as prime sponsors to draft a "Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Bill SB1179 and Bill HB2419 to placed a monument at the Arizona State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza?

2. Who were the proponent who worked to get the SB1179 Bill and HB2419 Bill passed?

3. What organization went in front of the Senate and the House of Representatives hearing meetings?

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME

ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME NECK WEAR

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medal was commissioned in 2001 and is the highest honor awarded by the Governor to an honorably discharged military veteran of the State for achievements outside of their military service that significantly benefit and provide inspiration to other veterans.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Medallion and associated neck wear are directly related to the official Arizona Flag,

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame (AVHOF) recognizes and honors our Arizona veterans who have made significant civic contributions at the local, state, or national level. Honorees are veterans who serve, or have honorably served, their country through military service and who also serve and inspire their fellow citizens with deeds and accomplishments outside their military service. Of single exception is that the AVHOF also recognizes Arizona's Medal of Honor recipients.

With the inaugural ceremony, Arizona became the second state in the nation establish a veterans' hall of fame. Each year since, with the consent of the Governor, the Unified Arizona Veterans continues to honor our veterans by inducting them into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

Secretary of State Michele Reagan, Cmdr. Fred Marable and Director Wanda Wright, Arizona Department of Veterans' Services

THE ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME

On October 28, 2016, Commander Fred Marable was inducted into The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame as a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and as a Buffalo Soldier of the Arizona Territory and featured at the State Capitol Museum.

The organization have received the following Buffalo Soldiers Medal of Honor recipient's medallions and plaques that are inducted into The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame and featured at the State Capitol Museum..

1. Corporal Isaiah Mays, Medal of Honor, (1858 - 1925) inducted May 30, 2001.

2. Sergeant Benjamin Brown, Medal of Honor, (1859 - 1910) inducted October 23, 2015.

3. Sergeant William McBryar, Medal of Honor, (1861 - 1941) inducted October 28, 2016.

Secretary of State Michele Reagan, Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable and Director Wanda Wright , Arizona Department of Veterans' Services

THE ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME

On October 28, 2016, Deputy Commander London-Marable accepting Sergeant William McBryar (Buffalo Soldier) Medal of Honor, (1861 - 1941) and Medallion.

The organization have received the following Buffalo Soldiers Medal of Honor recipient's medallions and plaques that have been inducted into The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, under the direction of Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, present a patriotic tribute to our nation by Ray Charles "America of the Beautiful" song.

The original Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, several receiving our nation's highest military recognition for valor, the Medal of Honor, were an instrumental force in the protection of European settlers of our then territory.

The current organization bring their story to life, and teach us of the dedication to our nation and their important part in its building.

Commander London-Marable portrays the First Female Buffalo Soldier, Cathy Williams who enlisted under the name of William Cathay, serving from 1866 - 1868.

The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment were formed in 2007 by Michelle and her husband, Frederick Marable, who is the Commander of the Regiment.

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Better yet, see us in person!

To request a Buffalo Soldiers presentation.

Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument

PO Box 20883, Mesa, AZ 85277

(480) 415-5439 E-mail: mlondon3@cox.net Website: BUFFALO SOLDIERS AZ TERRITORY MONUMENT https://www.buffalosoldiersazterritorymonument.com. Facebook: @buffalosoldiersofthearizonaterritory Website: https//www.buffalosoldiersaztrty.smugmug.com.