NPS - National Park Service

02/10/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/10/2023 12:06

Filmmaker Dru Holley Presents “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on February 25

Date:
February 10, 2023
Contact:Mary Rose, Executive Director, Friends of Fort Vancouver

Vancouver, WA -Join the Friends of Fort Vancouver in hosting Dru Holley, Producer and filmmaker, on Saturday, February 25th. Holley will present his newest film "Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts" for visitors at 1pm at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's visitor center. Friends of Fort Vancouver Executive Director Mary Rose stated, "Very few Black people lived in the Pacific Northwest when the Buffalo Soldiers began to arrive at Vancouver Barracks in the late 1890's". Mary explains, "They fought on the Great Plains, in the mountains and in the deserts throughout the Indian Wars in the West". This film highlights the history, struggles and tremendous impacts of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Holley is a producer/director from Denver, Colorado, and currently living in the pacific northwest. Dru is attuned to the direction of black films and its future; he's invested in learning just about every part of creating entertaining and informative media, from production assistant to director. His most recent work includes short films and promotional web content, and his goal is to focus on African American history documentaries and feature films. Dru is a graduate of the Art Institute of Colorado where he specialized in video broadcasting.

The event is free to the public. Seats are limited and by reservation only. You may reserve your seat at https://www.friendsfortvancouver.org.

The history of Buffalo Soldiers and those of other Black people are an integral part of the story of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. This February, during Black History Month and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners share stories, rich culture, and an invitation for all Americans to reflect on Black history in parks and communities across the country. More than 400 years of Black history and heritage-including achievements, contributions, and historical journeys-are remembered and commemorated in places preserved for current and future generations.

Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers at the Vancouver Barracks at https://go.nps.gov/fovabuffalosoldiers.