Black History Month Profiles: Cathay Williams, Only Known Woman Buffalo Soldier

During Black History Month, Fair360, formerly DiversityInc is honoring a series of Black innovators and history makers like Cathay Williams who are often overlooked in mainstream media coverage and history books. Check back throughout February to learn more about important figures.

Born: September 1844, Independence, Missouri
Died: ca. 1892–1900
Best known for: being the only known woman to enlist as a Buffalo Soldier, posing as a man.

Cathay Williams, by artist Will Davis

Changing her name and posing as a man, Cathay Williams enlisted in the U.S. Army as part of an all-Black unit of the military, later known as Buffalo Soldiers.

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