#124 - CUFFEE

In recent months NETFLIX released writer/director Jeymes Samuels' film "The Harder They Fall" starring all black lead actors including Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, Delroy Lindo, Edi Gathegi, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler and more.

This film follows the story of an outlaw that learns that his lifelong enemy is being released from prison. Together, he and his gang to reunite to exact revenge in this African American led Western film.

Whether you've watched this film or not, you've no doubt heard of it. You may have even seen discussions regarding whether or not this film is based on a true story. While the story itself is fictional, the characters are not. In this cosplay post, we will meet Cuffee of the Nat Love Gang, played by actress Danielle Deadwyler.

The character "Cuffee" is based loosely on Cathay Williams (the name she gives in the film). Cathay Williams, who was born in Independence, MO was the first African American woman to enlist in the United States Army and actually go into battle and the first to be documented as a MAN. She was also the only known female Buffalo Soldier. (Source: National Park Services website)

What Makes Cathay Williams An American Hero: Though over 400 women served in the Civil War posing as male soldiers, Williams was the first African American woman to enlist and the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army, while disguised as a man, during the Indian Wars. Williams is also the only known female Buffalo Soldier. Williams' determination to serve her country demonstrates the extraordinary feats women have accomplished simply trying to live their lives. - NPS Website

[These images of the real Cathay Williams are courtesy of various sources on the internet including the US Army]

Doing my research on Cathay Williams was very informative. The resources are limited, however, there is an actual newspaper article from an interview with her when she had returned to civilian life that tells her story as well as the resources from the US Census and the NPS and US Army. Look them up and be sure to share your findings in the comments section, I would love to read what you have learned about this iconic woman.