I saw this remarkable image at Fort Point today in San Francisco and have been thinking about it ever since. The caption:
After the Spanish-American War, the United States remained in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. In February 1899, Filipino nationalists (Insurectos) led by Emilio Aguinaldo resisted American domination and began attacking U.S. troops. All four black regiments reported to the Presidio on their way to war.
They were later honored for their service in the Philippines, and several senior black noncommissioned officers became officers in the newly formed Philippine Scouts.
There was considerable opposition to the Philippine War within the African American community of the United States. Many black leaders and newspapers supported Filipino independence and felt it was wrong for the United States to subjugate non-whites in what was perceived to be the beginnings of a colonial empire. In spite of this, most African Americans felt that a good showing by black troops in the Philippines would enhance their cause for equality at home.
More about the Buffalo Soldiers from the Presidio and the National Parks Service.