Hammerhead—
Truth & Dignity

Retracing the Buffalo Soldiers 1900 mile journey.

In an effort to bring truth and dignity to the Buffalo Soldiers, Erick Cendeño (AKA @Bicycle_Nomad) set out to repeat the same 1,900 mile journey over the summer. While some elements remained the same for Erick — the grueling, humidity, heat and long distances each day — others were quite different. Erick wasn’t denied entry into restaurants based on the color of his skin. He didn’t have to sit outside in 105 degree heat eating a lunch of canned beans and bacon. His bike had gears and his tires had tread. Despite all the advances made in civil rights and cycling technology, Erick — a cyclist who has been traveling the world by bicycle for 12 years — reflects on the trip as the most challenging ride he has ever completed. 

Erick’s aim with this project was not only to bring recognition to these forgotten soldiers, but also to help create a world in which all people feel represented and inspired to ride bikes. By completing this journey, Erick hopes the same inspiration he had found deep in the pages of history becomes more easily accessible to his son Gabriel and others who come after him.

Credits

CD & Producer: Will Truettner
Director & DP: Nick Nelson
Sound Design & Mix: Colton Jackson
Color: Dan Edwards

Photo stills