Community fights to honor Buffalo Soldiers with monument

In a recent government meeting, Deputy Commander Michelle London and Commander Maribel addressed ongoing challenges faced by the Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers organization regarding the installation of a monument dedicated to their legacy. The initiative, which began in 2018 with support from Senator Catherine Miranda and Representative Richard R. Roddy, has encountered significant delays and complications, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization has successfully raised $151,000 for the monument, which is designed to be 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide, mirroring the dimensions of the Gold Star Monument. However, rising costs have hindered progress, with concrete expenses alone reaching $38,000. Currently, the monument remains in storage, incurring monthly fees of $250 due to contractual disputes over the narrative associated with the monument.

London expressed frustration over external pressures, including negative media coverage and threats directed at the organization. She emphasized that they have been misrepresented and pressured to include names of individuals not affiliated with their group on the monument. Despite these challenges, the organization has maintained that their narrative is accurate and has provided extensive documentation to support their claims.

The meeting concluded with a call for assistance from the committee to help resolve the ongoing issues, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding to honor the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers appropriately. The situation remains complex, with both sides seeking a resolution that respects the integrity of the monument and its intended message.