Honoring Patriots of Color: A Fight for Freedom

When we think of the American Revolution, we often picture farmers with muskets lining the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. But did you know that among those patriots were at least 20 to 40 men of African and Indigenous descent? Though barred from militia service before the war, they were some of the very first to step forward when liberty was on the line. By the end of the Revolution, nearly 5,500 people of color had served in the Continental Army or local militias—fighting for freedoms that were not fully extended to them.

These are stories that deserve to be told, and that’s exactly what A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color is all about. A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color is a 22-minute documentary produced by the Town of Concord in partnership with The Robbins House and Minute Man National Historical Park, funded by MA250, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Created for educators, interpreters, and the public, the film illuminates the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Indigenous patriots in the American Revolution and the 250 years of ongoing work toward liberty and equality.

Why This Matters

These stories challenge us to rethink the Revolution. Freedom wasn’t fought for—or won—by just one group of people. Patriots of Color risked their lives, and their descendants kept pushing for liberty long after the muskets fell silent. Honoring them helps us understand that America’s story has always been richer, more complex, and more diverse than the textbooks often show.

Educational & Interpretive Segments

These short thematic segments allow educators and interpreters to focus on specific people, places, and themes from the film. Segments can be paired with class discussions and research projects.

Click here to view 13 short segments you can play to for classroom and community discussions, inquiry, and research.