PBS and WORLD Channel have announced the release of a new documentary titled Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, which delves into the complex history of Black soldiers in the United States military. The film, directed and produced by Dru Holley, combines the insights of historians, experts, and descendants of Buffalo Soldiers with archival photographs, reenactments, and animation to shed light on the experiences of Black soldiers throughout American history.
The documentary explores the multifaceted role played by Black soldiers, particularly in the context of the settlement of the American West and colonialism abroad. Following the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868, which granted full citizenship to Black men, many enlisted in the military. However, they faced significant barriers to equal opportunity and fair treatment. While Black soldiers contributed to America’s westward expansion by assisting in the construction and protection of transcontinental railroads and serving as park rangers, they were also involved in the subjugation of Indigenous peoples and the persecution of striking silver miners.
Throughout various conflicts, including the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, the Mexican Punitive Expedition, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, Black soldiers displayed bravery and dedication. Yet, their participation in these events also gave rise to a complex legacy, as they found themselves both contributing to American military success and perpetuating the oppression of marginalized communities.
Chris Hastings, the executive producer for the WORLD Channel at GBH in Boston, stated, The rise and role of Black Americans in the military is an important and overlooked part of American history, from conflicts abroad and on Indigenous lands at home. WORLD Channel is proud to bring Buffalo Soldiers to viewers on Juneteenth. With this film, we hope to honor the contributions of brave Black soldiers and officers and to acknowledge the painful legacy of westward expansion and colonial pursuits.
Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming at PBS, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of the Buffalo Soldiers in shaping history. She emphasized, PBS is proud to present this eye-opening and deeply moving story to audiences this summer, directed by one of the selected creators from our Open Call for Emerging Filmmakers.
Dru Holley, the director of the documentary, expressed his motivation to tell this important story, recognizing the relevance of the Buffalo Soldiers’ history in today’s sociopolitical climate. He said, As a Black filmmaker, I feel a responsibility to tell our story, to provide an inspiring story about history often left out of school textbooks. We want young kids to know the accounts of people like them that stretch across the nation, to have more knowledge of their past than we did.
Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts was an official selection at various film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, Astoria Film Festival, and Vashon Film Festival. It even received the Audience Award at the Tacoma Film Festival in 2022.
Through the release of Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, PBS and WORLD Channel aim to shed light on the often-contradictory role played by Black soldiers in American history. By exploring this complex narrative, the documentary prompts reflection on the contributions, challenges, and legacies of Black soldiers throughout the nation’s past, providing a powerful and thought-provoking viewing experience for audiences.
