Stories of military service, freedom and perseverance came to life during a recent Buffalo Soldiers presentation through portrayals of historical figures whose experiences helped shape American history.

As part of the program at Watkins Mill State Historic Site, members of the Alexander/ Madison Chapter of the Kansas City Area Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association used firstperson accounts and historical research to share the experiences of individuals connected to Black military history. Those portrayed included Sgt. Maj. Robinson Robbins, Cathy Williams and Private Samuel Reed. The association highlighted service during the Civil War, life on the western frontier and an ambitious military bicycle experiment that crossed much of the country.

Organization President Fred Jones portrayed Robbins, who described growing up in North Carolina in a family that was free because of its Native American heritage.

According to the portrayal, Robbins and his family continued farmin…