The Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit in the Armory Balcony at Seattle Center celebrates a rich military history in Washington State, with an emphasis on Fort Lawton (now Seattle’s Discovery Park). For 75 years, Black Soldiers served in the U.S. military in a segregated army. Although not widely known, hundreds of Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort Lawton as part of the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry. These men were accomplished musicians, and many were in an Army band. For every ship that left the port of Seattle during WWI and WWII, these men would perform on the parade field at Fort Lawton. They even took jazz music overseas during WWI. During this time-period, Black soldiers served their county with integrity and pride, yet were not allowed to eat or sleep with their fellow soldiers. Because of this, the band had their own barracks, one of the few remaining buildings on the Fort Lawton site. Despite these conditions, the parades the Buffalo Soldiers’ band performed were for all soldiers, regardless of race or ideology. The exhibit displays a timeline of events and significant dates to illustrate how the Buffalo Soldiers, U.S. military, and other players made meaningful contributions to the evolution of Seattle. The goal is to educate about American history, and especially to humanize and celebrate those who served with dignity and honor, despite systemic inequality and discrimination—yet who ultimately made a difference for Seattle and the United States of America. More info: A Seattle History Worth Preserving: Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit (seattlecenter.com)
