Buffalo Soldiers Sentinel - February 2025 Edition

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From the Chaplain's Desk

Coy at Fort Richardson

Introducing Chaplain Coy Poitier as the new supervisor of the TPWD Buffalo Soldiers Heritage & Outreach Program.

Chaplain Poitier was Recognized in "Who's Who In Black Dallas," Coy Poitier is a multifaceted leader weaving diverse threads into a tapestry of positive change. He has excelled as an award-winning filmmaker, impactful keynote speaker, talented music producer, and dedicated Dallas County Historical Commissioner. Coy's passion for sustainable food systems fuels his work as co-owner of Poitier and Associates, an agricultural consulting firm dedicated to green landscapes, vibrant gardens, and food-secure communities in Dallas. His expertise extends to the ground level as a Texas Certified Master Gardener and urban farmer.

Leadership resonates in Coy's commitment to public service. He chairs the USDA Farm Service Agency's Dallas Urban County Committee and serves as Northwest Director of the National Association of Farmer Elected Committees, championing sustainable agriculture on a broader scale. Beyond these endeavors, Coy's life finds harmony in music. He skillfully plays the organ and drums, and even produces his own music, adding a creative dimension to his journey. Coy Poitier's story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication, reminding us that positive change can bloom in countless forms.

“Drawing upon my diverse experiences as a filmmaker, historian, and community leader, I am thrilled to lead the TPWD Buffalo Soldiers Heritage & Outreach Program, bringing a dynamic and engaging approach to sharing the powerful stories of these courageous men and ensuring their legacy continues to inspire.” This is a dream job”, ~Coy LeBron Poitier


Ready Forward! We Can.. We Will!

For more information please visit our website. 

Texas Parks & Wildlife - Buffalo Soldiers

We look forward to seeing you further down the trail!


 

Upcoming Programs

Please join us at one of our upcoming events!

  • Feb 12th at the Austin Public Library - John Gillum Branch (North Village) 

  • Feb 22th at the Raven Lodge in Huntsville State Park

  • Feb 26th at the Austin Public Library - Cepeda Branch Library

  • March 7th at the NEO Fresh Air Career Fair in Sugarland, TX.

  • March 14th at Cedar Hill State Park

For more information about our events follow the link below.

Texas Buffalo Soldier Calendar of Events


Staff Spotlight

Allen in front of a tent

Welcome back Pvt. Mack! 

Pvt. Mack has always had a love for history but never realized it as a young man. His passion for learning history was years in the making and gained traction when he became a volunteer with Texas Parks & Wildlife's Buffalo Soldiers Heritage & Outreach program. After three years as a volunteer, he was offered a full-time position with the department. There he felt he was given an opportunity to do what he feels he was put on this earth to do. Share his passion for teaching about this country's great cultural history and putting smiles on people's faces while doing it.

 After seven years with TPWD he left to work on his community base organization the Living History Foundation (LHF). His vision for the LHF was to teach emerging young interpreters how to research and interpret the stories of people of color, women, person with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. He felt no child should ever have to grow up wishing they were someone else because they lacked knowledge of their ancestral roots. The dream continues, after four years away from TPWD, Pvt. Mack is back where it all started!

 


Did you know...?

Iron Riders at Yellowstone NP

In the Winter of 1895 and 1896 Lt. Moss of the 25th Infantry Buffalo Soldiers came up with a plan for the US Army to experiment replacing the horse with the Bicycle. This experiment would lead to three amazing expeditions including a ride to Yellowstone National Park.

To learn more about the Iron Riders of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps check out the Buffalo Soldiers Facebook and Instagram pages.


TPWD BSHOP Logo

 

Share Your Photos

Email your Texas Buffalo Soldiers photos to Ricky Dolifka and get a chance to have your image showcased here in the Buffalo Soldiers Sentinel or on our Social Media.


Get Involved: Support the Soldiers

We need your volunteer help! If you love history, can teach an outdoor skill, take great photographs, or just want to help, email buffalo soldiers, call Coy Poitier at (512) 389-8568, or visit our Volunteer page.


Keep Connected

Texas Buffalo Soldiers bring history to life with stories, costumes and tools.

Get a glimpse of a Buffalo Soldier's life at one of our programs. Explore a replica campsite and learn about life on the trail. We also play traditional games, use the sun to find directions, and learn Native American skills.

We make connections between history and the outdoors. Our goal is to not only share history, but to share our Story.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and help share our story!