FORESIGHT

This Web Site is largely the result of the foresight of Mr. Anthony Powell to collect, catalog and preserve literally hundreds of rare and unusual photographic images of African American men in the service of the United States Army. Mr. Powell recalls hearing the stories of the battle of San Juan Hill, and how the black soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th Infantry were among the American troops who charged up San Juan Hill, for which Teddy Roosevelt would get the ultimate acclaim. Powell's grandfather knew the story well, for he was one of the African American soldiers who served in the Spanish American War and often said that, sadly, Americans remember Teddy Roosevelt in relation to San Juan Hill but have forgotten or ignored the African American soldier who really won the battle and carried the day.

Mr. Powell began seeking out his grandfather's friends, asking each the question, "What was it like to be a black man in the Army so long ago?" They spoke of racism, prejudice and the heartbreak of the little things done to the black man to make him feel that America could never be his country. They further recalled the pride of the uniform - the pride of the camaraderie, the brotherhood and the friendship of the black comrade in arms. One old soldier who had served over 44 years in the Army wrote, on an old photograph of the non-commissioned officers of L Troop 9th Cavalry,: "It has been 53 years since this picture was taken, yet I remember the names and cherish the memory of these comrades. They were the pure in heart." Moved by such stories and pictures that reflect that pride, Powell has dedicated his life to the preservation of that collective memory. This dedication led to a collaboration with the Presidio Army Museum, under the directorship of Mr. Eric Saul and the administration of Lt Col, Donald R. Sims, to mount a photographic exhibit honoring the 200 year history of the African American soldier in the US Army - "Ready And Forward". " Ready And Forward", the first of its kind was dedicated at the Presidio Army Museum on February 9, 1980. One year later The Golden Gate National Recreation Area installed the exhibition at Fort Point. As a result, thousands of people had the opportunity to view this unique exhibition. In 1986 Mr. Powell worked with the California Afro American Museum on the exhibition "To Prove Our Worth, The Irony of the Black Military Experience 1861 to 1975," In 1993-94 the Smithsonian Institution exhibited the "Buffalo Soldiers," using photographs loaned by Powell from his rare and extensive collection.