Emancipation and Freedom: People of African Descent and the American Revolution

The experiences and historical significance of Black Americans during the American Revolution will be explored during a virtual presentation on Thursday, September 10, from 7 to 8 pm.

The presentation will examine how Black Patriots and other people of African descent from the Revolutionary era are remembered and memorialized. With an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 Black men serving in the military during the American War of Independence, the discussion will consider the narratives, perspectives, and historical frameworks used to understand their experiences and contributions.

The presentation will be led by Robert Bellinger, a public historian with a Ph.D. in history from Boston College and proprietor of Righting Histories. Dr. Bellinger has worked on numerous public history projects focused on African American history, local histories, and historic sites, including the National Park Service project “The Experience of Africans During the American Revolution.” He is also the founder of the African Seed Exchange, which documents the history of African food crops introduced to North America by Africans and African Americans.

The virtual event is free for Wilton Historical Society members and $10 for non-members. The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897.