William Cooper Nell 
The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution 
With Sketches of Several Distinguished Colored Persons

The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution shines a light on the overlooked contributions of African Americans during the Revolutionary War. First published in 1855, this seminal work by abolitionist William C. Nell features biographical sketches of black soldiers who fought courageously for America’s independence.

Nell’s groundbreaking research documents the participation of men like Crispus Attucks, an African American martyr who was the first man shot dead by British troops during the Boston Massacre. The book also highlights black patriots like James Armistead Lafayette, an American double spy who successfully infiltrated British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold.

In vivid detail, Nell records acts of heroism and sacrifice by African Americans during the nation’s founding era. His book stands as an important testament to the role of black soldiers in the Revolutionary War, challenging prevailing narratives that overlooked their service and significance. More than a vital historical document, The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution makes the moral case for black liberation and equal civil rights, establishing Nell as a pioneering voice against slavery and oppression.