Cathay Williams made history when she enlisted in the United States Army. Why? She was the first Black woman to do it — and she did it presenting herself as a man. According to the National Park Service, using the name "William Cathay," she signed a three-year contract and was placed in the 38th US Infantry regiment, an all-Black unit. She kept her identity secret, even surviving a case of smallpox without anyone realizing her gender. Eventually, the army discovered her secret and she was honorably discharged from service in 1868.
There aren't many movies about Black war heroines, but that is exactly what we need. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about this American hero, check out Cathy Williams: From Slave to Buffalo Soldier by Phillip Thomas Tucker, or Miguel Ortiz's essay for The Mighty, "The ex-slave who disguised herself as a man to enlist."
