A Struggle for Freedom: Black Soldiers in the American Revolution

The featured speaker will be Kevin Johnson, a Connecticut State Librarian, who will offer a dramatic portrayal of a real historic figure – Jordan Freeman – who was an aid to Connecticut Col. William Ledyard. In the program, Johnson will describe Freeman’s first-hand account of battles and offer tales of the 5,000 other African-American men who served in Colonial army, navy, and other units. He’ll explain how some enlisted because they felt it was their duty to join the battle for independence while others were offered their freedom in return for military service.

Category: Attractions | Talks and Lectures