CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) hosted an event on Tuesday, January 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and to celebrate African American contributions to Wyoming through a presentation on Buffalo Soldiers, early 1900’s military units composed of Black men stationed at Fort D.A. Russell, presently F.E.Warren AFB. Attendees included the Mayoral Youth Council, St. Mary’s Catholic School students, and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne.
Supported by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, the event was part of a larger week of civic engagement and service by WDE staff to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Staff were encouraged to attend the MLK Banquet on January 14 and participate in the Rally on January 15. Staff will complete the week by reading to kindergarten classrooms in Cheyenne.
“As we continue to prioritize citizenship in K-12 education, it is important that we also model citizenship ourselves at the Department of Education. This week we were proud to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. throughout our community,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
WDE Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor kicked off Tuesday evening’s event with remarks from Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins, and Rev. Catherine Fitzhugh, pastor at Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Cheyenne. Daniek Long, Warren ICBM and Heritage Museum curator, led the presentation on Buffalo Soldiers.
The story of the Buffalo Soldiers in Wyoming and their connection to F.E. Warren A.F.B was the main feature and focused on the history of the unit, showcased some of the regiments’ most prominent members, and highlighted recent African American military stories that bring the legacy of these soldiers into the present day.
An educational trunk provided by the Wyoming State Museum engaged attendees in hands-on learning and enhanced the presentation with artifacts that Buffalo Soldiers would have used including an army uniform, other clothing, bugle, canteen, medals, and other early soldier artifacts.
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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov