By Jefferson Díaz
The Truth Reporter
When it comes to celebrating, there’s no dull evening with the Buffalo Soldiers. And that was proven last Saturday, July 26 when the Toledo chapter celebrated its 12th anniversary at The Venues.
The evening was filled with music, food, and community service, with scholarship awards being presented to college-bound high school seniors.
Jalen Teamer of St. John’s Jesuit High School received the Lantz Dental Prosthetics Award (worth $5,000) to begin his studies at The Ohio State University and earn a Pharmacy degree. Nataly Díaz-Sánchez of Morrison R. Waite High School received the Whetro Wealth Management Award ($5,000) to also attend The Ohio State University and pursue her dream of becoming a physician.
Violet Lowe, a graduate of the Penta Career Culinary Program, received the Dr. Mary Gombash & Mr. Bud Crosby Award (worth $2,500) to study at Johnson & Wales University. Emily Cuellar, also a Morrison R. Wait High School graduate, received the same award and she will attend the University of Findlay to study biology and diagnostic medical sonography.
Brothers and sisters—as the Buffalo Soldiers are known—arrived from all over Toledo, Maumee, Perrysburg and even Charlotte, NC, and enjoyed the music of reggae stars Zion Lion, a band well known for livening up the institution’s celebrations.
“Our actions define us. That’s why our motto is: ‘We can, we will. Ready and Forward,’ for many more years of celebration, support, and work for our communities,” said Earl D. Mack, Jr. Post Commander of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers.
For 12 years the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers have been committed to the community, offering various relief programs.
During the pandemic they provided more than 20,000 meals to those in need. They developed a program called “What to Do When Stopped by Police” to address the deteriorating relationship between communities and the police. They also offer talks on what to do during natural disasters and distribute toys to children during their “Operation Angel Tree Wish” event.
The 12-year celebration wasn’t just about food and dancing; it was also a commemoration of all the work they do for the community and a way to recharge their batteries for the years to come.