The Black Pioneers of the American Revolution

The Atlantic Slave Trade: Empire Built on Human Suffering — Fexingo History · Oct 29, 2026 · 6m · transcript

While most histories focus on the Haitian Revolution or British abolitionism, this episode explores the often-overlooked role of Black soldiers in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. We examine how George Washington initially barred African Americans from service, only to reverse course under pressure from Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation and the desperate need for troops. The narrative centers on figures like Crispus Attucks and Salem Poor, whose bravery at Bunker Hill challenged racial assumptions of the era. Lucas and Luna trace the formation of the 1st Rhode Island…