HOUSTON, TX – April 29, 2025 – The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) proudly announces Juneteenth @160: U.S. Colored Troops’ Call to Freedom | Our Journey to Progress, a dynamic three-day community celebration honoring the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth and the enduring legacy of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and how they influenced the Buffalo Soldiers. Held from June 19–21, 2025, Juneteenth @160 offers a unique blend of art, history, education, and cultural experience, rooted in themes of resilience, resistance, and the continuing journey toward Black liberation in America.
“Juneteenth @160 is a cultural reckoning and a tribute to the generations of Black soldiers who fought to become citizens under the protection of the US Constitution. These were formerly enslaved individuals who have fought for freedom, self-determination, and dignity as human beings,” said Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, CEO of BSNM. “We are honored to create a space for learning, reflection, and belonging.”
The USCT played a vital role for freedmen and the formerly enslaved to assert their rights as full American citizens and the realization of Juneteenth. Comprising over 180,000 Black soldiers, the USCT fought for the Union during the Civil War and was instrumental in occupying Confederate territories to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. In Texas, where emancipation was not yet enforced, USCT regiments arrived in Texas and helped assert federal authority and ensure freedmen could not be put back into bondage after June 19, 1865.
“The USCT laid the foundation for the inclusion of Black soldiers in the Regular Army which would later be known as the Buffalo Soldiers,” said Bertrand-Pitts.
After the Civil War, a selection of USCT veterans transitioned into service with the newly formed Regular Army regiments—the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiment, established in 1866. These veterans brought with them battlefield experience, discipline, and leadership skills developed during their service in the war. Their combat-tested courage and military knowledge shaped the critical role that Buffalo Soldiers would undertake in the American Western Frontier.
More importantly, the USCT’s performance during the Civil War challenged the belief that Black men were unfit for military service. As BSNM honors their stories and influence, Juneteenth @160 will feature:
“Terms & Conditions: The Promise vs. Reality” Art Exhibition: On June 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the University Museum at Texas Southern University, this thought-provoking opening night will feature a traveling contemporary art exhibition exploring post-1865 liberation through the lens of General Order No. 3, which declared freedom for formerly enslaved individuals, along with the legacy of the USCT and the Emancipation Proclamation. Featured artists include Ann ‘Sole Sister’ Johnson, Nathaniel Donnett, Alexis Pye, David McGee, Kaneem Smith, Cat Martinez, Tay Butler, Lanecia A. Rouse, Phillip Pyle II, Mo Nikole, Brian Ellison, Anthony Suber, and Robert Pruitt.
(Photo courtesy of Buffalo Soldiers National Museum)
The exhibition is curated by Seba R. Suber, event and cultural producer, with historical interpretation led by Cale Carter II, Director of Exhibitions, Jason Fung, BSNM Archivist and Dr. Michelle Tovar, Director of Education. The evening will also feature a keynote address by Major General Barrye Price, Ph.D. (Ret.) and a panel discussion, “The Promise vs. Reality: Exploring the Legacy of Juneteenth.” A curated culinary experience inspired by West African traditions will accompany the event. The exhibition remains open through July 6, 2025.
Living History Encampment + Roots & Resilience: Taking place on June 20–21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Houston Community College – Central Campus, this family-friendly experience blends education and community connection with:
- USCT Living History demonstrations by Living History Co.
- Youth history activities, arts and crafts
- Vendor market featuring Black-owned local businesses and resources for veterans
- Partner-led history tables and storytelling spaces
Juneteenth @160 is presented in collaboration with cultural partners including Texas Southern University, Project Row Houses, Houston Community College, Memorial Park Conservancy and historian Sam Collins III.
Juneteenth @160 is made possible through generous support from Kinder Foundation with additional support provided by Humanities Texas, HAA, AARP, Smartwater, and General Orders No. 3 Vodka. Continued partnership development is in progress.
Registration is now open at buffalosoldiersmuseum.org/juneteenth160.
For more information about Juneteenth @160, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit buffalosoldiersmuseum.org/juneteenth160. For media inquiries or interviews, contact Ashley Small at ashley@medley-inc.com or 281-827-3419.
