During its national convention in July, the NAACP civil rights organization adopted the Buffalo Soldiers National Educational Resolution.
Delegates to the convention, held this year in Las Vegas, voted to ensure U.S. students are educated on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, who were members of African American regiments in the U.S. Army.
The resolution is a result of the educational efforts of Donna Jackson-Houston, a member of the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch and of the city of Pomona’s Community Life Commission, according to a news release. Jackson-Houston was also one of the Pomona Valley Branch’s voting delegates at the NAACP convention.
After discovering four years ago that her grandfather Lucius Jackson served as a Buffalo Soldier during World War I in the 25th Infantry, Jackson-Houston founded the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association. Its mission is to partner with schools and communities across the nation to educate students about the accomplishments of the Buffalo Soldiers.
Jackson-Houston looks forward to working with educators and historians to develop a curriculum to share nationally, according to the news release.
NAACP Pomona Valley Branch voting delegates at the 2024 NAACP national convention, held July 11-17 in Las Vegas, are, standing, from left, James Shirley, Donna Jackson-Houston, Jerry Fenning, and, seated Jeanette Ellis-Royston, branch president. (Photo by Viki Hollander, NAACP Pomona Valley Branch)
The NAACP adopted the Buffalo Soldiers National Educational Resolution July 16, shortly before National Buffalo Soldiers Day, which has been observed on July 28 since its designation in 1992.
Other voting delegates from the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch at the national convention were James Shirley, Jerry Fenning and Jeanette Ellis-Royston, branch president.
The NAACP Pomona Valley Branch serves Chino, Chino Hills, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Ontario, Pomona, Montclair, Upland and Diamond Bar.
Originally Published: August 10, 2024 at 11:25 a.m.
