www.Liberty Fund D.C.

breaking news...

Grassley Works to Create National Liberty Memorial Iowan to be Recognized

Sen. Chuck Grassley today joined Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut to introduce bipartisan legislation to build a memorial that would commemorate the thousands of slaves, including Iowan Cato Mead who served in the American Revolution. The memorial would be built on the National Mall in Washington , D.C.

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New committee formed by National Society Sons of the American Revolution aims to honor Black, Indian and women patriots who helped in the struggle for American liberty by expanding membership to include their descendants

"We have had Black members for decades, and we have always welcomed Black members," he said, "however, an organization like ours needs to do more. We need to reach out. We need to let every American know this is not an organization just for white men. The Revolution was not a war just for or by white men."

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National Mall Liberty Fund D.C. Asks Congress To Keep Revolutionary War Freedom-Seekers Memorial Alive Beyond October 27 Deadline

A project facilitator, Maurice A. Barboza, said that Liberty Fund D.C.'s meetings on Capitol Hill suggest members of Congress still believe in the memorial's significance but not in the past foundation's capacity to build it. "The new design and website offer Americans the inspiration and information they need to fight for the black patriots and show that their cause is still viable."

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Sons of the American Revolution Inducts Descendants of Absalom Martin

On June 4, 2005, at Gunston Hall Plantation in Mason Neck, Virginia, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) welcomed four new members. Paul Williams, Sr., Paul Williams, II, Andrew Williams and Devin Williams are descended from Absalom Martin, a free black man who enlisted as a Private on April 25, 1781 for twelve months in Captain William Dennis' Company in the 1st North Carolina Regiment, commanded by Colonel Lighton.

Maria Coles discovered her ancestor's name listed in "African American and American Indian Patriots of the Revolutionary War," which qualified her for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Through the encouragement of Joseph W. Dooley, of Liberty Fund D.C., she then suggested to her brother, nephews, and niece that they join the SAR and Children of the American Revolution.

Published in 2001, "African American Patriots..." lists over 2,400 soldiers. It was undertaken by the DAR 20 years ago to satisfy a major requirement of Lena Santos Ferguson's settlement agreement. At the time Mrs. Ferguson said, "this publication will enable black women to embrace their heritage and join the DAR."

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> "Twenty years ago, I spent four years getting this legislation passed, and now they let it expire," Barboza said Wednesday. "So here I am again, trying to get the same project back on track." Maurice A. Barboza (The Washington Post, October 28, 2005)

> Charles Atherton, FAIA, joins Board. He served 44 years as secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts where he had enormous influence in major decisions that shaped the Washington landscape.

> The Mark E. Mitchell Collection of African American History has authorized us to link artifacts relating to the Revolutionary war era. See items owned by Connecticut soldiers: Prince Simbo and Jube Negro

> Port of Harlem Magazine sponsors PowerPoint presentation on history leading up to the National Liberty Memorial.
Click here to read the e-magazine.

> Group looking for those with revolutionary roots
Longview News-Journal (Texas), August 7, 2005

feedback and...

"A friend just forwarded your article about the National Liberty Memorial. It was an interesting article. I belong to the African American Genealogical Society here in Los Angeles. I have been doing research since 1986. My last name is Sands. I found an African American in the Revolutionary War with the last name 'Sands,' but I haven't any evidence that he is one of my relatives. I have a friend that has belonged to the DAR for several years who is African American, but her ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War were Native Americans from R. I. I have a cousin who had an Aunt (by marriage) who is white that belongs to the DAR. I attended a meeting with her several years ago. D. Sands, California

"My mother (Essie Mae Washington Williams) was quite impressed when she first heard of your aunt's mission and will continue to endorse her cause. Wanda Terry, California

"I'm happy to know that Mrs. Essie Mae Washington Williams and her daughter are in the DAR, I salute them for walking the path that your late aunt Lena bravely forged." Helen Campbell, melungeons.com, Pennsylvania

"I'm just happy to see even one dedicated person out there, besides Dr. Joel Freeman and myself, trying to bring back history to people who really need to see and experience it before it's almost completely forgotten. It would seem to me that some new ideas are necessary to galvanize support before time runs out. Mark E. Mitchell, Virginia

"I have done a few "Living History" presentations for schools, churches and community events, mostly covering the Civil War period. What I have found to be glaringly apparent (when presenting) the history/heritage of America's fight for Independence is the sad fact that many, many people don't know the "Revolutionary War" from the "Civil War." The fact that blacks fought in both wars still escapes our school kids and quite a large number of older folks also! When I mention Continental Blacks during presentations it always generates a Q & A session on the Revolutionary War." Willis Phelps, SGM (retired), Delaware

"Thank you for all you are doing. This is a fascinating piece of history. As a history instructor at the local community college, I am happy for information that allows me to connect my students with a long-forgotten part of their heritage. -- Kim Burdick, Delaware

"I also wanted to commend you on your research and your efforts to promote the role of black soldiers and other patriots of color during the Revolution. Those of us working on the Washington-Rochambeau Route in Virginia hope that we can shine a spotlight on the participation of Blacks and other minorities in the campaign that won American independence in the victory at Yorktown." -- Kevin Vincent, Virginia

"The website is great, and the project is exceptional; you're right. -- Guillermo Silveira, Washington, D.C.