The Clarion

Issue date: 2/24/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Larry Chua Richard Scott Jr., left, Wiliam Greer, center, and Ian Matthew Scott perform in "Buffalo Soldier: The Legacy," written and directed by Madison resident Richard Scott Sr.

Media Credit: Larry Chua Sgt. McPherson, left, is played by William Greer, while David Krause plays Lt. Foster.

Media Credit: Larry Chua Chief Big Willow played by Allan Lynk gives Buffalo Soldiers their name.

Playwright, director and producer, Richard Scott Sr. of Madison, Wis. wanted to leave a legacy not only to his family, but a much greater audience, by creating "Buffalo Soldier: The Legacy." This play, which recently took place in the Mitby Theatre at Madison Area Technical College, portrayed the struggles and triumphs of the African American men in the 9th U.S. Calvary during the Indian Wars of the 1860s.

While attending a presentation by former Buffalo Soldier, Robert Wallace, in 1999 Scott was intrigued by the sense of pride and honor that exuded from Wallace as he showed pictures of his fellow soldiers. This presentation inspired Scott's original work.

Research for the play took him as far as San Antonio, which is one of the first places the original Buffalo Soldiers were stationed. Unfortunately, the people Scott interviewed had only heard the term and knew little of the history. This only made Scott hungrier to uncover the story behind the Buffalo Soldiers and tell it to others.

According to Francis E. Morrone in his paper titled, "Buffalo Soldiers," the term came from the Apaches during the Indian Wars. It is said to have originated because of the way the soldier's hair resembled that of a buffalo, but more importantly it was a name given to them out of respect. "The Indians felt that, like the mighty buffalo, the African American soldiers fought ferociously to the end." Because of their bravery, the Buffalo Soldier's motto became "Ready and forward." Scott depicted this bravery through the actions and leadership of Sgt. McPherson.

The character of Sgt. McPherson, played by William Greer, portrays one of the first African American officers in the military. In the play, McPherson is a highly decorated veteran of the Civil War, who is commissioned to lead one of the six all african american regiments that were formed shortly after the completion of the Civil War in 1865. He fights racial stereotypes by letting his leadership skills and actions speak for his credentials. Thus, with the help of his troop he is able to make a place for a "black officer in a white man's army."

Sgt. McPherson's soft-spoken wisdom is shown during a scene where he is consoling one of his men who lost a dear friend during an attack by the Apaches. Sgt. McPherson says, "There is no promise in life; we do what we think we must. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but the important thing is that we keep on fighting."

After the play, Scott said the scene was important because it showed how his forefathers had staked their claim in this country and would do anything to carve out a way for their children's children to have a sense of pride in what they are doing today.

Scott further explains that he felt it was important to tell the story of the original Buffalo Soldiers because of their desire to make a better way of life for the generations to come. It is relevant because this desire is still present in today's society. In addition, Scott wanted to recreate the sense of family and friendship that he believed was shared throughout the regiment.

Scott made the project a family affair. Behind the scenes, many friends and family members took part in helping the production happen. The cast and crew was a very tight knit community, which had grown to support and love each other through their own trials and tribulations, much like that of the Buffalo Soldiers.

The hard work and dedication that went into "Buffalo Soldier: The Legacy" made it a success. The first production was put on last spring in front of a sold out house at the Overture Center. More importantly, Scott reached his goal of retelling the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier to prevent future generations from forgetting what their ancestors accomplished so they have a place in this world. In doing so he incited a sense of pride among all people, "regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other differences."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools