During the American Revolution, Black individuals played significant roles on both sides of the conflict.

On the side of the Patriots, free and enslaved Black people fought in the Continental Army, Navy, and various state militias. Some notable figures include Crispus Attucks, who was the first casualty of the revolution and a hero of the Boston Massacre, as well as Peter Salem and Salem Poor who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Additionally, Black men like James Armistead Lafayette served as spies for the Continental Army, providing crucial intelligence that aided in the defeat of the British.

On the side of the British, Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation in 1775 offering freedom to enslaved Black people who joined the British forces. Thousands of Black individuals took this opportunity to escape slavery and fight for the British. These Black soldiers and sailors were known as the "Black Loyalists" and they played a significant role in the war.

Despite their contributions, the promise of freedom for enslaved Black individuals was not universally honored after the war. Many were returned to slavery, and in some cases, free Black veterans were denied the benefits and recognition given to their white counterparts.

The American Revolution was a complex time for Black individuals, as they navigated the competing interests of liberty and slavery amidst the revolutionary fervor of the time. Their actions and sacrifices helped shape the course of the war and laid the groundwork for the abolitionist movement that would continue to evolve in the years to come.