CRISPUS ATTUCKS was the FIRST man to GIVE his life for every American's liberty.
On a cold Monday evening on the snow-covered streets of Boston, a fire was lit that would fan the flames of the American Revolution, and a black patriot named Crispus Attucks was there to kindle the spark. The time leading up to that fateful spark had been characterized by 17 long months of British military occupation. On an icy stretch of King's Street, a crowd of citizens who had been pushed to the brink by a "long train of abuses" in the besieged town of Boston were fired upon by government troops at point blank range. Crispus Attucks who was later referred to as "leader and voice that day" was first to fall, along with Samuel Maverick, Patrick Carr, Samuel Gray and James Caldwell. By the time the smoke cleared five men lay dead or dying and six more were wounded. That scene on March 5, 1770 would come to be known as the Boston Massacre. So when Americans hear "Boston Massacre," how many think of a black patriot? How many think of Crispus Attucks? READ THE FULL STORY...
On a cold Monday evening on the snow-covered streets of Boston, a fire was lit that would fan the flames of the American Revolution, and a black patriot named Crispus Attucks was there to kindle the spark. The time leading up to that fateful spark had been characterized by 17 long months of British military occupation. On an icy stretch of King's Street, a crowd of citizens who had been pushed to the brink by a "long train of abuses" in the besieged town of Boston were fired upon by government troops at point blank range. Crispus Attucks who was later referred to as "leader and voice that day" was first to fall, along with Samuel Maverick, Patrick Carr, Samuel Gray and James Caldwell. By the time the smoke cleared five men lay dead or dying and six more were wounded. That scene on March 5, 1770 would come to be known as the Boston Massacre. So when Americans hear "Boston Massacre," how many think of a black patriot? How many think of Crispus Attucks? READ THE FULL STORY...
WILLIAM COOPER NELL was the publisher of Frederick Douglass’s abolitionist newspaper the North Star. His work The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution is considered the first history book by and about African Americans that is based on written documentation. The book was previously used as a textbook in the American education system and it chronicled many of the contributions made by African-American patriots at the founding of America.
Nell's work chronicles Black American patriots who have been all but erased from the modern American consciousness. To the surprise of most American's today, many of these black patriots were not simply participants in the founding of the American Republic but played pivotal roles in history which contributed directly to the successful outcome of the American Revolution. His chronicle of black patriots include Crispus Attucks - America's First Martyr, James Armistead - a double agent for the patriot cause, Peter Salem, decisive sniper at Bunker Hill, and Prince Whipple at the Delaware Crossing. Read more...
Nell's work chronicles Black American patriots who have been all but erased from the modern American consciousness. To the surprise of most American's today, many of these black patriots were not simply participants in the founding of the American Republic but played pivotal roles in history which contributed directly to the successful outcome of the American Revolution. His chronicle of black patriots include Crispus Attucks - America's First Martyr, James Armistead - a double agent for the patriot cause, Peter Salem, decisive sniper at Bunker Hill, and Prince Whipple at the Delaware Crossing. Read more...
James Armistead Lafayette was a patriot spy during the War for American Independence.
He infiltrated Benedict Arnold’s forces and provided intelligence that nearly led to Arnold’s capture. He also penetrated the camp of British commander Lord Cornwallis as a double agent and passed vital intelligence information to General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. It was the intel from James Armistead that provided the key to the decisive victory at the Battle of Yorktown, which compelled the surrender of Cornwallis and an end to the War for Independence.
A key figure in America’s final victory over the British Empire, one could argue that ultimate victory, and therefore the birth of a new nation, rested to a great extent on the shoulders of one black patriot-James Armistead Lafayette. He deserves his place in history where he served - next to revolutionary war heroes General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Read more...
He infiltrated Benedict Arnold’s forces and provided intelligence that nearly led to Arnold’s capture. He also penetrated the camp of British commander Lord Cornwallis as a double agent and passed vital intelligence information to General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. It was the intel from James Armistead that provided the key to the decisive victory at the Battle of Yorktown, which compelled the surrender of Cornwallis and an end to the War for Independence.
A key figure in America’s final victory over the British Empire, one could argue that ultimate victory, and therefore the birth of a new nation, rested to a great extent on the shoulders of one black patriot-James Armistead Lafayette. He deserves his place in history where he served - next to revolutionary war heroes General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. Read more...
Peter Salem - Hero at Bunker Hill
PeterPeter Salem was born on October 1, 1750 to a slave mother in Framingham, Province of Massachusetts Bay. He fought in the opening battles of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord as part of the Minutemen under Captain Simon Edgell. During his 5 years fighting for America’s independence he also served in Captain Drury's company of Colonel John Nixon's 6th Massachusetts Regiment.
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Elleanor Eldridge was a successful business owner. Her father Robin had gained his freedom by serving in the Continental Army and she operated a domestic services business in Providence, Rhode Island – cleaning, sewing and cooking. She began acquiring properties with the money she earned.
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Prince Whipple Crosses the Delaware
The iconic painting of George Washington crossing the frozen Delaware River is a grand illustration of what our country was fighting for. Some see the regal general leading his men to what would eventually be a pivotal victory in the fight for independence. Others may see the plan of genius to attack unexpectedly during Christmas. What draws surprising notice is an African American man who was at the front of the boat. Read more...
The iconic painting of George Washington crossing the frozen Delaware River is a grand illustration of what our country was fighting for. Some see the regal general leading his men to what would eventually be a pivotal victory in the fight for independence. Others may see the plan of genius to attack unexpectedly during Christmas. What draws surprising notice is an African American man who was at the front of the boat. Read more...