Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Assoc.

The GSAAC is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers of the United States by informing, educating, and engaging the community, especially Black youth, reinforcing the tremendous and often forgotten impact of these brave soldiers' achievements past, present and future. The GSAAC, through education, community service and outreach programs in researching, interpreting, collecting displaying, and preserving historical artifacts and documents.

Tucson Memorial Project Overview

Over the past seven years, various Buffalo Soldier organizations have been working with Tucson City Council Members to honor the contributions of some of America's greatest heroes, the Buffalo Soldiers. Meetings and discussions have led to the dedicating and reserving a plot of land at the Quincie Douglas center that will be the future site of a Buffalo Soldiers Memorial.

The neighborhood surrounding the center is one of the oldest historically black neighborhoods in Tucson. Unfortunately, most Tucsonans and residents of this community do not know the rich history of the neighborhood and the significant contributions that Black Americans have made to Tucson, Arizona, and our nation. There are currently no monuments in Tucson that recognize or honor the contributions of Black Americans in the defense of the nation. We want to change this!

The Need

At this present time there are no monuments or museums in the Tucson representative of contributions Black Americans made in settling Southern Arizona and the West.

The Purpose

To preserve and recognize the important contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed in Arizona.

Goals
• Raise awareness of the contributions that the Buffalo Soldiers made in settling the Southwest, Arizona and their connection to Tucson, AZ.

• To recognize the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers in protecting the nation in a time of war.

• Establish a suitable memorial to honor the Buffalo Soldiers, and showcase their exploits in the Southwest and war campaigns.

Mission Statement

To "educate" the Tucson community about rich history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their positive impact on defending the nation and settling Southern Arizona and other Western states.

Memorial Project Design

Memorial Design

The memorial will consist of different features recognizing local Buffalo Soldiers associated with the Tucson area and the state of Arizona. These features will include:

• A Gazebo representing the accomplishments 9th and 10 Horse Cavalries and 24th and 25th Infantries
• Historical markers for the Buffalo Soldiers including Colonel Charles Young
• Pedestals honoring Arizona's Buffalo Soldier Medal of Honor recipients
• Four mini flag poles featuring the regimental flags
• Benches, Garden vegetation.

Memorial features can be named after prominent Buffalo Soldiers including Colonel Charles Young, the third black cadet to graduate from West Point will also be properly recognized.

The memorial will also consist of different features recognizing local Buffalo Soldiers associated with the Tucson area and the state of Arizona, such as First Lieutenant William McBryar, Sergeant Benjamin Brown and Corporal Isaiah Mayes

Other Memorial Features

Symbols - The memorial will tell a story through architecture, sculpture, landscaping and words to educate and inspire visitors about the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. Here are a few symbol examples:

Service - A description key within the memorial will note the regiments and divisions of the negro troops.

Sacrifice - This element will ensure that the Buffalo Soldiers are recognized for the hardships they had to endure and overcome.

Accomplishments - This element will ensure that the Buffalo Soldiers are recognized and validated for their accomplishments and contributions to America.

Theaters of War - A description key within the memorial will note the wars and events that the Buffalo Soldiers participated in.