Opinion: Black patriotism in US history: Here is just one example to remember during Black History Month
in 1750 and lived there until age 25, when he was emancipated so he could enlist as a Massachusetts Minuteman. As a soldier, Salem fought in the very first engagements of the Revolutionary War through his participation in the Battle of Lexington and Concord with Col. John Nixon’s Fifth Massachusetts Regiment, which included several other African American soldiers. Later that year, Salem fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was widely credited with firing the shot that killed British Ma.
Salem received a commendation from the Massachusetts General Court for his bravery at Bunker Hill, and then continued his service by reenlisting with the 4th Continental Regiment. During this time, he took part in the Battles of Harlem Heights and Trenton, and then the Battles of Saratoga, Monmouth and Stony Point after re-enlisting again.
Salem – like Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Titus Coburn and so many other Black patriots of the American Revolution – stood up for the cause of independence because they understood the very promise America represents. Though we failed to perfectly live up to those ideals at the time our nation was founded, American history is a story of a people striving to put into practice the foundational values they proclaimed, culminating in a Civil War.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
5 things to know about Conroe’s annual Black History ParadeTo celebrate Black History Month and the accomplishments of Black leaders in Conroe, the annual Leon Tolbert Jr. Black History Parade is set for noon in downtown Conroe Saturday.
Read more »
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates Black History Month with new exhibitThe UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is celebrating Black History Month with a new exhibit with quilts and a student-produced history project.
Read more »
Black History Month: Treasured Bible reveals family's legacyA Black family living in the Inland Empire has a permanent place in history thanks to the efforts of their formerly enslaved ancestor.
Read more »
Gospel star shines during Warriors’ Black History Month celebrationLena Byrd Miles, who was born in San Leandro, raised in Oakland and now lives in Antioch, performed national anthem before Golden State Warriors game.
Read more »
River tour in honor of Black History Month celebrates African American contributions to San AntonioThe tour run by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum will take place Feb. 11. SanAntonio SATX SanAntonioTX ThingsToDoInSanAntonio BlackHistory BlackHistoryMonth
Read more »