February is Black History Month, a time set aside years ago to reflect on the contributions and achievements of Black Americans to our history. Black history is American history.
The history of El Paso cannot be told without including the contributions of Black Americans. Even though Blacks constitute a very small portion of our population, they continue to contribute to our success.
One of the early contributors can be found in the history of Fort Bliss and the all Black units that served there. Following the Civil War, Congress created four Black regiments, two cavalry and two infantry, on July 28, 1866. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were among the early units that called Fort Bliss home. As one of the few opportunities for freed Black men, the military provided unequaled opportunities to contribute to our history.
Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry, known as Buffalo Soldiers, helped restore order to the Wild West following the Civil War. They served in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, building forts, guarding railroad construction and contributing to the economic success of the virgin territory…