Clark College celebrates the legacy of Dr. King with exploration of the local history of African-American soldiers

For Immediate Release
January 17, 2020

For additional information (news media inquiries only):
Hannah Erickson, Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2954 E: herickson@clark.edu
Publicity still of Buffalo Soldiers available by request or at https://buffalosoldiersofthepacificnorthwest.com/gallery. 

College hosts artifacts and documentary about 19th-century “Buffalo Soldiers” on Jan. 21

 VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College will honor the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, January 21, by exploring a little-known aspect of the local African-American experience: the “Buffalo Soldiers,” all-black regiments who served in the U.S. military in the 19th century. The event will include both a screening of parts of a documentary film called Buffalo Soldiers of the Pacific Northwest and a collection of historic memorabilia related to Buffalo Soldiers. All events are free and open to the public.

The film screening will take place at noon, followed by a discussion with some of the individuals involved in creating Buffalo Soldiers of the Pacific Northwest as well as members of the non-profit group Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle. The history display will be on view from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All events take place in Gaiser Student Center on the Clark College main campus. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

Buffalo Soldiers of the Pacific Northwest examines the history of African-American regiments formed by the U.S. government in the 1860s to help secure its interests in the West. These often-forgotten soldiers served their country in many capacities—everything from constructing roads to fighting in battles. The 56-minute documentary film, which is currently in post-production, explores the history and legacy of this region’s Buffalo Soldiers.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service to others, Clark College encourages your donation of hair and skin care products for African-American families served by YWCA Clark County.

For more information about this event, visit www.clark.edu/cc/mlk.

Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Penguin Union Building (PUB) room 013, as soon as possible.