Retracing the Path of Buffalo Soldiers to Yosemite

Joining folks around the country in celebration of the second annual African Americans National Parks Day, Outdoor Afros in Northern California embarked on a special trip to Yosemite Valley, commemorating the numerous contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers, some of our nation’s first park rangers.
Check out this wonderful video of our experience below!

Buffalo Soldiers 6 from Dudley Edmondson on Vimeo.
The Buffalo Soldiers were integral in securing and protecting the National Parks in the early 1900s. In 1866, Congress created six segregated regiments, which were then consolidated into black regiments, including the 9th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry. These men, commissioned to protect the public lands, helped stave off poachers and timber thieves, contained wildfires and constructed roads and trails, among other duties. Read more about the Buffalo Soldiers here
Many thanks to Dudley Edmondson for capturing the impact of this inspired and inspiring trip!