Free Public Screening of Documentary Film, Buffalo Soldiers
In recognition of Black History Month, a one-hour documentary film, “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts,” directed by Dru Holley of Vancouver, Wash., will be shown at North Seattle College, Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grove on campus. Holley will be at the event to answer questions after the presentation and the audience will be invited to engage in a community discussion. The screening is free and open to the public, who are asked to please RSVP for the event.
The Buffalo Soldiers – an African American regiment in the United States Army in the 19th century – fought military conflicts abroad and civil rights struggles at home. The film examines the profound and often contradictory roles played in American history by The Buffalo Soldiers.
“The story of the Buffalo Soldiers involves historical complexities like race, class, power, colonialism, and western expansion,” said Holley. “Typically, these stories sometimes mention African-Americans but are seldom told with African-Americans as the central characters. This film focuses on these Black men, named and nameless, who were part of this complicated history of the American West.”
"The film screening is a great opportunity to engage our larger community in a discussion about how Black history is U.S. history,” said Marie Angeles, director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Community at North Seattle College. “Black History Month is a time to honor our past and recognize how it shapes our future, and we are excited to share this story with the community.”
The stop at North Seattle College is a component of an educational tour, funded in part by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission. Here is a one-minute trailer for the film.
“Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” was recently named Pacific Northwest Best Documentary at the Tacoma Film Festival, winning the Audience Choice Award.