Over 5,000 African men served General George Washington. They served with honor and helped to win the freedom of this great nation. That's 10% of the entire Army of Revolutionary soldiers and includes many civilians, like those from New Bedford, who gave their lives for our freedom.

Parting Ways Co-President:: Wayne
Musa Barboza in Patriot costume at the Massasoit Community College:
"Pilgrim to Patriot: The Black Experience. Presentation Oct 16, 2006.

Pilgrim Hall has archives some our history (the stories of African Americans and Cape Verdeans) of slaves and free men who served both Master and General George Washington.

Both the British and the Americans enlisted black men in their armies. The British enlisted runaway slaves--men and women--promising them freedom in exchange for loyalty. This was part of a British strategy to weaken the American army. Despite their promises, many blacks who fought for the British were eventually sold into slavery in the Caribbean, returned to their masters by Americans, sold to new masters for profit, and some became the settlers of the British controlled colony Sierra Leone.

Many American military leaders were reluctant to enlist blacks. Though, blacks had been well received in the New England militia, Congress voted against the initial recruitment of blacks to the Continental army. Congress ordered all blacks expelled from the army, but black veterans took their argument to George Washington. John Hancock (president of the Continental Congress) and George Washington took up their cause. They agreed that blacks already serving in the army should be allowed to stay; however, in 1775 George Washington barred further recruitment of black soldiers.

The struggle continues, though our history is in danger of being forgotten and we are often written out of history books. It is important for all of us to understand the roles that African Americans as well as other people of color played in fighting for the freedom of this country.

That's why it is important for the community to participate in preserving our history. With your help, we can create remembrance and bring honor to the legacy of our of forgotten forefathers.