TPW TV -- BUFFALO SOLDIERS: A young man connects with 
the past and finds his future ... on Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas (March 25)

After graduating from college, but before entering the 
working world, Devonte Hill -- who has a passion for 
storytelling -- volunteered with the TPW Buffalo Soldier 
program.

06 -- I was a Texas state parks youth ambassador and got turned on to the 
Buffalo Soldiers program. I'm always open to new experiences.

Buffalo Soldiers entered Texas history in 1866; these 
African American men assisted and protected settlement 
as it moved westward. TPW developed the Buffalo Soldier 
program to preserve that history. As a volunteer, 
Devonte wore a soldier's uniform to help bring history to 
life for grade school students. 

07 -- I don't have too much experience with kids besides my 
cousins; so it will be interesting dealing with the little people. 
[laughs]

The program uses the Buffalo Soldier's rich heritage and 
history to connect urban audiences to the outdoors. This 
is important because, as Devonte points out ... 

13 -- When you see things on TV about outdoors and things like 
that, all you really see is a certain type of demographic. And so 
you kind of get raised thinking those things are not for me.

Devonte Hill has gone on to a job in television, and says 
his work with the Buffalo Soldiers was life changing.

08 -- Hopefully this is the first step to me continuing my training 
and practice at being a storyteller. And this is part of my story.

See a segment with Devonte Hill and other Buffalo Soldier 
volunteers next week on the TPW TV series on PBS.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife...I'm Cecilia Nasti.



Total sound bite time:			0:34.0
Maximum Script time:			0:51.0 Suggested show time: 85.0 = 1:25