Buffalo Sonnet, a digital comic book inspired by San Juan Hill, is an artistic meditation on the Black experience in that historic Manhattan neighborhood. The title plays on the naming of the veteran Black infantrymen, “Buffalo Soldiers,” that settled there at the turn of the 20th century, after fighting in the Spanish-American War. The piece tells the story of a vibrant community that was dispersed, yet has left a powerful shadow in the city’s history. It is emblematic of the larger story of the African diaspora in New York City: how Black communities have been displaced from their neighborhoods since the 17th century, yet have proved resilient. Buffalo Sonnet is an invitation to consider healing for a people migrating by force. Read the Artist Statement and watch the Behind-the-Scenes video to learn more about the making of the comic book.

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