Nationally Teaching the Buffalo Soldiers Rich History in Public Schools Educational Curriculum for the Advancement of Strengthening Culture and African American Pride

WHEREAS, The 555 Parachute Infantry Battalion, nickname "The Triple Nickles," was an allBlack airborne unit of the USA Army during WWII. Established Feb 25, 1943; officially activated December 1943 at Ft. Benning, GA. After several years of trains the 555th Unit moved to Camp Mackall, NC; and 

WHEREAS, In 1866, after the Civil War, Congress created six all-Black Cavalry and Infantry regiments of the U.S. Army known as "The Buffalo Soldiers" to help rebuild the country however, historically educational institutions have not taught students about the contributions of these some tens of thousands of Black/African American soldiers and it is imperative to ensure that all students receive a historical education to include these soldiers; and 

WHEREAS, In addition to playing a significant role in many military actions and border security, the Buffalo Soldiers duties included leading the way for western expansion by protecting settlers, building roads and other infrastructure, guarding the U.S. mail, and serving as rangers for the national parks all while having inadequate supplies and being subjected to oppressive and discriminatory conditions; and 

WHEREAS, Due to their valor service, Buffalo Soldiers earned Medals of Honor as well as numerous campaign and unit citations, and from their ranks emerged leaders including Benjamin O. Davis Sr., Charles Young, and Henry Flipper; and 

WHEREAS, In 1948 President Harry Truman issued an executive order eliminating racial segregation in the armed forces, and the last African American units were disbanded during the 1950s and the United States Congress created National Buffalo Soldiers Day in 1992 to honor these soldiers.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People would urge all its Units to collaborate with their state and local Boards of Education on curriculum development so that it is more inclusive of Black History, specifically Black Military History, so that it incorporates the history of these great patriots, the Buffalo Soldiers.