Our Bruthas in Arms

Happy Veterans Day to all! As the forecast calls for a wintry mix starting later this afternoon, I had to make my way down to Smale Riverfront Park to pay homage to our bruthas in arms-The Black Brigade of Cincinnati.

Organized in 1862, the Black Brigade of Cincinnati was among the first African Americans to be hired for military defense in the Union. Initially the blacks asked if they could volunteer to fight in the Civil War, but the city of Cincinnati refused their request as the city said that "this was a white man's war".

 Maj Gen Lew Wallace, who wanted to enlist the help of the city's black workers, was very upset with the local police's mishandling and the maltreatment of blacks overall, so he put Col. William M Dickson in charge, who then put out the call for black soldiers. In September 1862, 700 volunteers  finally reported for duty and took their place in the war. Under Dickson, the brigade got their own flag, were paid $13 per month and received other privileges, including the right to visit their families.

In 2012, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring the Black Brigade of Cincinnati as veterans.

In September 2012, on the 150th anniversary of the 1862 defense of Cincinnati, the Black Brigade monument was dedicated, which included the names of all 700 members.


Thanks to our veterans, active military, and their families for all that they contribute to our freedom.