In the spring of 1898, two all-Black regiments of the U.S. Army — the Buffalo Soldiers — are moved to Tampa, Florida, in anticipation of deployment to Cuba to fight in the Spanish American War. White residents and soldiers are vocal in their dislike of the Black troops. Local newspapers publish stories characterizing Black soldiers as unruly and undisciplined.

On this day — the day before embarking to Cuba — drunk white Ohio volunteers shoot at a 2-year old Black boy to “demonstrate their marksmanship.” Learning of this, Buffalo Soldiers storm the streets, shooting into businesses that have refused to serve them, and confronting white antagonists. The story is difficult to verify any further due to military censorship. The Buffalo Soldiers go on to fight hard, prevail, and win honors for their missions in Cuba.