Written and researched by Tobe Sweeney Jr., founder and creative director of DTOA Designs.
Black soldiers have fought in every American war — often for a country that did not yet recognize their full citizenship. The American Legends 2027 Black History Desktop Calendar keeps their stories in view all year. These are the military heroes featured inside.
Crispus Attucks — First to Fall
On March 5, 1770, Crispus Attucks — a sailor of African and Native descent — was among the first killed in the Boston Massacre, remembered ever since as one of the earliest martyrs of American independence. Before the nation existed, a Black man had already died for it.
The Buffalo Soldiers — Warriors, Builders, Legends
On July 28, 1866, Congress established the peacetime regiments that became known as the Buffalo Soldiers. These Black cavalry and infantry units served across the American West — escorting wagon trains, building roads and telegraph lines, protecting settlements, and later serving with distinction overseas. They fought racism and injustice at the same time they served, and they never backed down.
Sergeant George Jordan — Medal of Honor Hero
Born into slavery in Tennessee, George Jordan enlisted in the U.S. Army and rose to sergeant in the 9th Cavalry. In May 1880, he led a small detachment in defense of Fort Tularosa, New Mexico, and in August 1881 held a canyon position at Carrizo Canyon against superior numbers. He received the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest military decoration.
Cathay Williams — The Only Woman Buffalo Soldier
On November 15, 1866, Cathay Williams enlisted as "William Cathay" — the only woman documented to have served with the Buffalo Soldiers, disguising herself as a man to wear the uniform her country would not otherwise let her wear.
The Black Seminole Scouts — Frontier Defenders
Descended from Africans who escaped slavery and found refuge among the Seminole, the Black Seminole Scouts became some of the most skilled trackers in U.S. Army history. Four of them — Adam Paine, Isaac Payne, John Ward, and Pompey Factor — received the Medal of Honor, including for the action of April 25, 1875, when scouts rescued their commander under fire.
Keep Their History in View
All five stories appear in the American Legends 2027 Desktop Calendar — a meaningful gift for veterans, military families, teachers, and anyone committed to preserving Black history. You can also wear these heroes year-round through our Military & Valor designs in the 277-design custom collection.
We remember. We reclaim. We rise.
Sources and Further Reading
The historical details above are drawn from the following institutional and scholarly sources. Teachers, students, and researchers are encouraged to explore them directly.
- National Park Service — Crispus Attucks
- National Park Service — Forming the Buffalo Soldier Regiments and Cathay Williams
- National Park Service — Black Seminole Indian Scouts
- U.S. Army Center of Military History — 9th Cavalry Regiment and 10th Cavalry Regiment
- National Archives — Researching African Americans in the U.S. Army, 1866–1890 and Military Resources: Blacks in the Military
- Congressional Medal of Honor Society — Medal of Honor Recipient: Sergeant George Jordan, 9th U.S. Cavalry