STAGE READING FOR RESCUE AT PINE RIDGE TONIGHT

Novel celebrates Buffalo Soldiers’ historic rescue of the 7^th cavalry

August 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Camp Lockett in Campo, a now-sleepy border town in San Diego’s East County,  was the last home of the Buffalo Soldiers.  Best known as the all-black cavalry brigade that fought valiantly in the Civil War, the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers were also lauded for their rescue of  7th Cavalry soldiers from hostile Indians.  The novel Rescue at Pine Ridge, by Erich Hicks, culminates in this rescue,  also shining light on the heart-wrenching  and often brutal resettlement of Native American tribes 14 years after the massacre at Little Big Horn.

Hicks has completed a screenplay for a film trilogy based on the book, garnering support from acclaimed actor/director Bill Duke.  Tonight at 7 p.m., a stage reading will be held at the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum, 4130 Overland Avenue in Culver City. The event is open to the public; RSVP at (818)760-9948. 

Starring: Keith David in the role of Sergeant George Jordan / Medal of Honor recipient & Certificate of Merit.
Starring: Richard Gant in the role of Sergeant Thomas Shaw / Medal of Honor recipient.
Starring: Brent Jennings in the role of William Othello Wilson / Medal of Honor recipient.

The novel extols the courage of  Buffalo soldiers in the face of discrimination within the U.S. military.  It also paints a chilling depiction of the “Ghost Dance” and its symbolism as Native Americans suffered the loss of their tribal lands and cultural decimation. 

There is a tragic irony in this tale of one group of historically discriminated against people being summoned to rescue those engaged in a battle to end the sovereign rule of others also persecuted by  white men, even as the Buffalo Soldier perform their duty heroically to save their fellow soldiers.

The novel has ranked five stars on Amazon.com. The film, directed by Ian Foxx of Foxx Media Group, will feature Keith David, Richard Gant, and Brent Jennings in key roles to be rpesented at tonight’s table reading.

Hicks’ father served proudly as a Buffalo Soldier under General Blackjack Pershing and became on of the highest-ranking African-American military officers in World War I.  Author Erich Martin Hicks, co-founder of Alpha Wolf Productions, is a prouder, writer, actor and acclaimed special effects coordinator. 

For readers interested in learning more about the history of the West and the unique role played by the valiant efforts of the Buffalo soldiers, I recommend Rescue at Pine Ridge. 

For more information on the book, visit http://rescueatpineridge.com/rescueatpineridge/Rescue_at_Pine_Ridge_-_A_Buffalo_Soldier_Novel.html

For more information and to view a trailer of the first film in the trilogy, visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rescueatpineridge/rescue-at-pine-ridge-feature-film-0?ref+live