Whose Independence: Black Experiences During the American Revolution
MHS Event
Dr. Noelle Trent, Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket; Dr. Benjamin Remillard, Providence College; and Dr. Chernoh Sesay Jr., DePaul University; in conversation with Dr. Kyera Singleton, Royall House and Slave Quarters
This is a hybrid event. FREE for MHS Members. $10 per person fee (in person). No charge for virtual attendees or Card to Culture participants (EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare). The in-person reception starts at 5:30 and the program will begin 6:00 PM.
As cries for liberty and clashes with the British broke out in the American colonies, enslaved and free Black people fought for independence on the battlefield, in courtrooms, and their communities. In petitions and writings, they argued that there were contradictions in a fight for freedom that didn’t include a full abolishment of slavery. Following the promise of freedom advertised, many enslaved men enlisted as soldiers. Many joined the Patriot cause while others volunteered with British forces. Throughout the war and in the years following, free Black leaders built the African Lodge and African Meeting House and established spaces for religion and education in their communities. Join us as our panelists discuss the experiences of free and enslaved Black people during the American Revolution and reflect on the promises and failures of independence.
Special Opportunity for Teachers
In conjunction with this program, the MHS is offering a workshop for K-12 educators, “Elizabeth Freeman & The End of Slavery in Massachusetts” on 19 February. Learn more and register for this workshop.
If you have any questions about the program or accessibility needs, please contact Olivia Sayah at 617-646-0580 or osayah@masshist.org. The virtual program will be on the streaming platform Zoom and begins at 6:00 PM. Registrants will receive a confirmation message with attendance information.
By registering you are agreeing to abide by the MHS Visitor Code of Conduct.
