Buffalo Soldiers | Suffering in Silence | 4

American History Tellers

Wondery

Society & Culture, Kids & Family, History, Education For Kids

4.7 • 18.3K Ratings

🗓️ 26 February 2025

⏱️ 44 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Between 1870 and 1899, only twelve Black cadets were admitted to the US military academy at West Point, and of those twelve, only three went on to graduate. Of the Black cadets who persevered, all faced relentless racial prejudice, hazing, ostracism, and silent treatment from their white peers. Today, Lindsay is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Rory McGovern to share stories of the early Black cadets who went through hell to try and obtain the prize of becoming an officer in the United States Army. Col. McGovern is the co-editor of Race, Politics, and Reconstruction: The First Black Cadets At Old West Point.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, history buffs, if you can't get enough of the captivating stories we uncover on American
0:04.7	history tellers, you'll love the exclusive experience of Wondry Plus.
0:08.4	Dive even deeper into the past with ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and
0:13.0	bonus content that brings history to life like never before.
0:16.2	Join Wondery Plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcast and embark on an unparalleled journey through America's most pivotal moments.
0:36.6	Imagine it's June 7, 1870 in West Point, New York.
0:41.3	Two weeks have passed since you arrived at the U.S. Military Academy to prepare for your entrance exams.
0:46.7	You and the rest of your squad of prospective cadets are waiting for your turn to have your shoes shined in a crowded boot black shop.
0:53.6	You and your roommate, Michael Howard,
0:55.5	the only other black candidate, stand in the doorway at the back of the line. Behind you, a white
1:01.2	candidate named McCord wanders back and forth on the porch. You lock eyes with him as he uses a pocket
1:07.5	knife to scrape dried mud off his boots. His stair is menacing, but you refuse to avert your gaze.
1:14.0	He puts his knife in his pocket and walks towards you,
1:17.4	his shoulder slamming into Howard's as he pushes his way into the shop.
1:21.3	Move.
1:22.7	Howard says nothing.
1:24.6	You tap McCord on the shoulder.
1:26.7	Hey, watch it. What did you just say? Howard shakes his head
1:31.7	fiercely, silently warning you to be quiet, but you can't help yourself. I said you better watch
1:37.3	where you're going. I'll go wherever I please. Your friend should learn to get out of my way.
1:43.8	McCord steps forward and slaps Howard across the face.
1:47.0	He stumbles, nearly losing his balance.
	...

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