Oh wait! Here is how the NPS REALLY describes it:
“Even though the Buffalo Soldiers wore the uniform of the U.S. Army, their ethnicity combined with the racial prejudice of the time made the performance of their duties quite challenging. In the early 1900s, African-Americans were routinely abused, or even killed, for the slightest perceived offense. They occupied one of the lowest rungs of the social ladder; a fact which served to undercut the authority of any black man who served in any position of power. Yosemite and Sequoia’s Buffalo Soldiers had to be simultaneously strong and diplomatic to fulfill the duties of their job but to avoid giving offense.”
http://www.nps.gov/yose/historyculture/buffalo-soldiers.htm
“In the early 1900s, African-Americans were routinely abused, or even killed, for the slightest perceived offense”
This happens in 2011, in any inner city, a dozen times each day.
“This happens in 2011, in any inner city, a dozen times each day.”
Very, very well said.