NEGRO AMERICANS - The Early Years FIGHTING FOR AMERICA’S FREEDOM On April 19, 1775, "the shot heard round the world” rang out. The Revolutionary War began. Over 5,000. black men fought alongside whites during the long years of battle which were to create @ new nation. JUNE 5, 775, At the famous Bottle of Bunker Hill, Peter Solem, @ Negro, shot Major Pitcairn, a leader of the British troops. Another Negro pattie’, Salem Poor, fought 50 bravely that he was commended 10 Congress. Prince Holl of Boston met with Genera! George Washington and the Committee on Safety to ask tor permission to recruft blaek slaves for the Arity. Prince Hall enlisted. He was- also the first black man to join the Masonic Order of America. In (787, Prince Hall asked the city of Boston to open a school for Negro children. The school was opened in 1796. Washington crossed the Delowore. At least two men in his special force, Prince Whipple and Oliver Cromwell, were Negro. Whigale was in Washington's own boat.CLASSICS Slhustrated \ WINTER, I777 ‘Black men froze at Valley Forge with Washington's army. JULY, 1781— SPY JAMES. James, born a slave in Virginia, become one of Lafayette's most trusted spies for the American cause. Lafayette wanted to know what British General Cornwo/lis' plans were, $0 James entered the British camp fo spy. His information led to a victory for American troops. 1782-1783, Deborah Gonnett, disguised asa man, served as a soldier in the American Army for more than I7 months. She was honored for her bravery.NEGRO AMERICANS - The Early Years Benjamin Banneker Ini789, Benjamin Banneker was appointed a Commissioner to survey the territory that is now Washington, OC. The head of the Com- mission, a Frenchman named Major t'Entont, Quit and took olf plans for the city with him to Paris. But Banneker remembered them elt! Washington, DC. was built fram Nis memory Banneker began publishing almanacs in 7%, Ia his wtitings, he veged the end eb all wolence and prejudice. Hewas also an astronomer.* Bonneker was admired ond respected by many Phillis. Wheatley A7-year old gitl, brought trom Attica fe Boston iiZ6l, became Phillis Wheatley, admired by Such Men as George Washington for her fine poetry, Here is ane of her poems. On Being Braight from Africa to America ‘Twas mercy brought me from my pagan land, Tought my benighted soul to understand: That there's @& Gad that there's @ Saviour too, Onice T redemption neither sought for knew. ‘Some view our sobie roce with scornful eye~ “Their color is @ dlobolic dye." Remember, Christians, Negroes black as Coin Moy be refined ond joi the angetic train.