Tucson local artist/author David Laughlin is the author of a 1992 booklet “Buffalo Soldiers: An Illustrated 30 Year History of the 10th Regiment of the US Cavalry“. He is well-known for his “realistic and historically accurate artistic depictions of the Buffalo Soldiers.” This regiment was comprised entirely of African American men who served in the 10th U.S. Army Regiment of the Calvary in the frontiers of Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona beginning from 1867 to 1896. These “Buffalo Soldiers” were known for their dedicated discipline and courage, and had the army’s lowest desertion and court-martial rates.

12 paintings called “Military Hours” done by Laughlin will be on display at the Quincie Douglas branch library,1585 E. 36th St (NW corner of Kino Parkway). They accurately depict the activities throughout a day of a troop of “Buffalo Soldiers”, hour-by-hour.

artwork by David Laughlin

A reception for the artist, as part of African American Heritage Month, will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2010, from 1-3 pm at the library. Along with conversations with the artist, there will be a slide show produced by local youth, patriotic demonstrations, music, and refreshments.

The public is invited to this free event. Phone number there is (520)594-5335.

Also coming up at Quincie Douglas library on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6 to 8 p.m. “Explore the history of African Americans in the military with a History Channel documentary and discussion. The film chronicles the tales of seven soldiers who served their country valiantly only to be denied immediate recognition: though they fought in WWII, the men did not receive their much-deserved Medals of Honor until decades later. Featuring re-enactments of the soldiers’ harrowing days on the battlefield, this History Channel documentary celebrates their courage and determination in the face of both enemy fire and institutional racism.”