African Americans and the Military

African Americans have served in EVERY war that the United States of America has been involved with throughout the history of the Country. The 4th of July highlights the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, throwing off its colonial chains, it also represents a unique dynamic that African Americans have with this nation as many members of the military consists of veterans of African descent date back to the American Revolution.

The Revolutionary War's first casualty was Crispus Attucks, a free black and indigenous soldier who died during the Boston Massacre. His life would later serve as an example of African American involvement in the founding of the U.S. by abolitionists.

Also during the American Revolution there are examples of African Americans serving in the U.S. military against its enemies. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment, also known as the “Black Regiment” was brought into the Revolutionary War in early 1778. They saw their first combat experience in the Battle of Rhode Island in August of 1778. Thanks to the Slave Enlistment Act it also freed all enslaved men who volunteered to join the “Black Regiment”. Compensation was paid to their former masters, and Washington was desperate for a boost to his forces.

During the Civil War, Frederick Douglas also spoke on this dynamic between formerly enslaved African Americans and the U.S. military, believing that African Americans could show their commitment to the United States by serving in its Armed Forces where allowed, as we would demonstrate our right to be free to those opposed to equal rights. He declared to formerly enslaved men “rise up in the dignity of our manhood, and show by our own right arms that we are worthy to be freemen.” in his piece “Men of Color to Arms! Now or Never!” Regrettably, Douglas's optimism was in vain as inequality continued and in some cases became worse when Veteran's of the various wars returned to their home states, and were forced back into an insupportable caste system.

From the American Revolution to the Civil War there are numerous examples of African Americans serving a country that didn’t recognize their freedom or citizenship. In the years after the Civil War there is also a deep history of African Americans continuing to serve in major conflicts like World War I and World War II. The latter of which created the dignity and gumption that fueled the Civil Rights Movement and led to some changes in the treatment of African Americans. From the American Revolution to the present African Americans have continued to fight for this nation on foreign soil while simultaneously fighting for their rights on American soil. 

-Dashaun Mckenzie

Friday February 16 the African American Heritage Society hosted a performance and table at Gallery Night!

Audience members were treated to a performance by Lepoleon Williams and the Polimbtree Drummers! We sold merchandise, books and other items.

Be sure to come see us at the Coulson House during open hours each week and stay tuned for more events!

 Stated in an address to the National Urban League in 1946:

"We must make every effort [to ensure] that the past injustice, violence and economic discrimination will be made known to the people."

"The taboo, the 'let's-not-talk-about-it' must be broken."

  Albert Einstein

To learn more about Mr. Einstein's commitment to Social Justice

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-celebrity-scientist-albert-einstein-used-fame-denounce-american-racism-180962356/