The Old Monterey Foundation presents a free lecture by Alejandra Iraheta entitled Buffalo Soldiers: From the Presidio of San Francisco to the Presidio of Monterey on Thursday, July 19 at the Irvine Auditorium in the McCone Building on the campus of MIIS. This lecture is suitable for ages 9 and up.

Join National Park Service Ranger Alejandra Iraheta for an engaging lecture about the African-American Buffalo Soldiers and their connection to both the Presidio of Monterey and Presidio of San Francisco, as well as their extraordinary contributions to our nation in a time of overt racism and segregation. Participants will learn about some of the more prominent Buffalo Soldiers including Charles Young and William H. Thompkins. In addition, we will discuss how the actions of the Buffalo Soldiers here on the West Coast helped facilitate many freedoms we enjoy today, including taking a hike in your national park!

Alejandra Iraheta works as an Interpretive Park Ranger/Volunteer Coordinator for the National Park Service at the Presidio of San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. She has been with the National Park Service since 2011 and has been leading Buffalo Soldier programs for the public since 2012. Alejandra holds a Bachelors’ degree in Ethnic Studies from Mills College and a Masters of Science in Resource Interpretation from Stephen F. Austin University. It was her passion for Ethnic Studies that led her to research and present interpretive programming on the Buffalo Soldiers. As a woman of color, Alejandra is an avid supporter for the advancement of communities of color and believes that stories like that of the Buffalo Soldiers are important as they illustrate the power of perseverance and hard work to inspire future generations.