BUFFALO SOLDIERS OF THE ARIZONA TERRITORY, MESA
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Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona (Independent Org)
PATRIOTISM VETERANS AND HISTORIANS, 1866
OUTREACH COMMUNITY EVENTS
BUFFALO SOLDIERS ARIZONA TERRITORY MONUMENT, 1866 to 1951
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The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument stands 8 feet tall and spans 11 feet in width. It is made of granite and is double-sided. The monument features several pictures and narratives of the Buffalo Soldiers, with soldiers mounted on horses and other designs. HB2062 & HB2304
Designed by: Cmdr. Fred Marable & Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable, founders of the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, AZ.
"Share the big news: Our hard work paid off".
On March 31, 2022, the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment in Mesa, Arizona, has been an Independent Organization since 2007. This organization has the sole responsibility of successfully raising the funds necessary to finance the First Black American Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument, 1866 to 1951, in the State of Arizona. This includes all the narratives about the Buffalo Soldiers, fundraising, contracts, design, permits, planning, and construction details of the monument. The proponents and stakeholders: HB2062 AND HB2304
Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument
Awaits Final Installation
Date: May 22, 2026
The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument is fully funded, approved for placement, and ready to proceed toward installation at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona.
Years: 2018 to 2026 Timeline
1. On April 5, 2018, the Governor signed SB1179 into law, authorizing a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
2. On February 20, 2020, the proponents submitted a 10-page monument narrative to the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission (AHAC), documenting the historical integrity, design basis, and supporting materials for the proposed monument.
3. On November 23, 2021, the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument site was confirmed in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.
The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) provided written confirmation.
4. After a four-year review that began on February 20, 2020, AHAC approved the ten-page monument documents on February 29, 2024, affirming the monument’s historical integrity. The motion passed unanimously, 7 to 0, and the approved narratives were then submitted to the Legislative Council for contract signing.
5. From March 31, 2022, to the present in 2026, the monument, memorial bricks, and groundbreaking shovels have been fully funded and held in secure storage pending final authorization and installation.
6. On September 24, 2022, monument-related responsibilities continued through the applicable state review process, with final contract action dependent on Legislative Council approval.
7. On February 29, 2024, AHAC approved the 10-page monument narrative by unanimous vote, 7 Ayes to 0 Nays.
8. On March 25, 2024, the proponents anticipated Legislative Council review of the AHAC-approved materials and pending contract for placement at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.
9. On March 29, 2024, the Governor signed HB2304 into law, granting the proponents’ request to name the monument the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument and extending the authorization period through September 30, 2025. The monument had been paid in full since March 31, 2022.
10. On July 8, 2024, the Arizona Legislature held an interim public meeting where the proponents raised concerns regarding the Legislative Council’s unsigned contract and the lack of explanation for why the monument had not been installed at the Arizona State Capitol in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona. The Arizona Legislature stated, “This will be resolved by the end of 2024.”
11. After AHAC approved the narratives on February 29, 2024, the proponents continued requesting an in-person meeting with the Legislative Council to finalize the contract execution and installation; however, the Legislative Council did not schedule a meeting.
12. On February 17, 2026, the House of Representatives completed the third reading of Bill HB2062.
13. On March 25, 2026, the Arizona State Senate Government Committee gave HB2062 a do-pass recommendation regarding the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument.
14. On March 30, 2026, HB2062 was placed on the Senate consent calendar and advanced through the Rules process.
15. On April 7, 2026, the Senate passed the third reading with a vote of 29 Ayes to 0 Nays.
16. On April 7, 2026, HB2062 was transmitted for gubernatorial action after Senate passage.
17. On April 8, 2026, HB2062 was recorded as pending the Governor's action.
18. On April 13, 2026, the Governor approved HB2062 as Chapter 38, and the Secretary of State filed it the same day; the act authorizes the Legislative Council to provide for placement of the memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza and repeals the authorization after September 30, 2027. The monument had been paid in full since March 31, 2022.
19. Following enactment of HB2062 on April 13, 2026, the proponents expected final design and contract coordination with Legislative Council leadership to support construction and installation within one to two months.
20. On May 22, 2026, the proponents requested an in-person meeting with Steven A. Primack, Executive Director; Elizabeth A. Dunfee, Deputy Director; Hannah Nies, General Counsel; and Nadine Sapien, Assistant Director, to discuss the AHAC-approved narratives, the general contractor’s site design and measurements, pending installation requirements, removal of the tree, and the proponents’ State Monument Repair Funding deposit.
SUMMARY
1. The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument has been authorized through successive legislative actions, including SB1179 in 2018 during the fundraising process, HB2304 in 2024 after the monument had been paid in full on March 31, 2022, and before the repeal date, and HB2062 in 2026, which extended authorization before the September 2027 repeal date.
2. Since March 31, 2022, the proponents have maintained funding readiness and submitted supporting documentation, including historical narratives, design materials, site specifications, contractor proposals, and financial information.
3. Since March 31, 2022, the proponents have submitted the required materials to AHAC and the Legislative Council. Under A.R.S. § 41-1363, final design, dimensions, site location, maintenance requirements, inscriptions, contractor designs and cost estimates, liability insurance, proponents’ financial statements, repair-fund deposit collection, and contract terms must be approved before construction begins; the approved monument or memorial must also be completed and dedicated within two years after the effective date of the authorizing act.
4. The contract for the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument remains the next required step, and the proponents request timely contract execution, confirmation of installation requirements, and scheduling guidance to move the project forward.
The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument represents an important public commitment to preserving Arizona’s history and honoring the service, sacrifice, and legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. With funding secured, documentation submitted, and legislative authorization in place, timely final action will allow the monument to be installed and dedicated for the benefit of the State of Arizona and the public.
OFFICIAL ARIZONA CENTENNIAL LEGACY BUFFALO SOLDIERS OF THE ARIZONA TERRITORY MESA, ARIZONA
On December 3, 2007, the "Regiment" had completed 500 events. This Monument symbolizes our rich history and holds profound significance for the Black American community. It is a testament to the bravery and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers in Arizona Territory and worldwide from 1866 to 1951.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE REGIMENT MESA, ARIZONA
Since 2009, the Governor of Arizona has proudly awarded the Official Proclamation Certificates of the "Buffalo Soldiers Day", on June 19th to celebrate Juneteenth events to the proponents Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, founders of the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment based in Mesa, Arizona, in recognition of their impactful events and contributions.
January 21, 2026, HB2062 AZ STATE LEGISLATURE HEARING
On January 21, 2026, Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, proponents of the HB2062 Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument, along with the members of the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, and the children associated with the organization based in Mesa, Arizona, an independent entity, presented their support for the establishment of a Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument at state Capitol, specifically at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, Arizona before the State house Government Committee. House Bill 2062 received unanimous approval, passing with a vote of 7 to 0.
Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument was founded by a group of passionate historians and preservationists who wanted to make a difference in their community. Since then, we have grown and expanded our services, but our commitment to preserving history remains the same.
On January 21, 2026, Rep. Walt Blackman, Chairman, HB2062 Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument & Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory
April 17, 2026, an Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldier of the Arizona Territory in Mesa, AZ
On January 21, 2026, Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona
Educating the Young Buffalo Soldiers and Young Ladies of the Regiment about the significance and history of the Arizona State Capitol.
We are a family organization with children who participated in this historical moment.
Our goal is 'Respecting the Past, responding to the Present and Reaching to the Future'.
The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument will serve as a visual representation of our community's values, culture, and heritage, as well as an educational resource. It will honor K-12 students, adults, and military veterans by memorializing these brave men and women. There are a few ways that children can learn their heritage, but seeing Monuments honoring people who look like themselves. This is a rare opportunity and a gift for every child who experiences it. It creates a sense of equality among children, and the Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument to be placed at the Arizona State Capitol, Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza can achieve the accomplishments
The Young Buffalo Soldiers and Young Ladies of the Regiment commemorated Commander Fred Marable's induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame on October 28, 2016
THE ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME
On October 28, 2016, Commander Fred Marable of the U.S. Army, a Vietnam War veteran, was officially inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. This recognition honors his service as a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War, as well as his historical role as the Commander of the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment in Mesa, Arizona. This significant acknowledgment is located at the Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix, Arizona.
ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME, AZ STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX
OCTOBER 28, 2016 ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME INAUGURAL CEREMONY, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Secretary of State Michele Reagan and Wanda A. Wright, Director Arizona Department of Veterans' Services.
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, U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Director Wanda Wright, Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
THE ARIZONA VETERANS HALL OF FAME
On October 28, 2016, Commander Fred Marable, U. S. Army Vietnam Veteran 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.
Cmdr. Fred Marable, U.S. Army, Vietnam Veteran, and Arizona Veteran Hall of Fame, Class of 2016 & Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable, Founders
Preserving the Past, 1866 - 1951
Fundraising is at Hand
We are extending our invitation to businesses, veterans' groups, public figures, entrepreneurs, sports personalities, foundations, non-profits, community leaders, and individuals.
The Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument is designed by the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa, Arizona (Independent Organization).
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
"Our Hard Work Has Paid Off"
Tell your friends! Forward this on your e-blasts! Share it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Help us get the word out about the Fundraiser of the First African American Buffalo Soldiers AZ Territory Monument to become reality.
Webmasters: Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable and Sgt. DeVante London
