The American Revolution was a significant event in Black history, as many African Americans played important roles in the conflict.

One of the most well-known figures is Crispus Attucks, a Black man who is often considered the first casualty of the American Revolution. Attucks was killed during the Boston Massacre in 1770, where British soldiers fired upon a crowd of colonists, including many African Americans, who were protesting British occupation.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, thousands of enslaved and free Black individuals fought on both sides of the conflict. Some fought for the Patriots in hopes of gaining freedom and equality, while others fought for the British in exchange for promises of freedom.

One of the most notable Black soldiers who fought for the Patriots was Peter Salem, who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill and is credited with shooting British Major John Pitcairn. Another important figure is James Armistead Lafayette, a slave who served as a spy for the Patriots and provided crucial intelligence that helped secure American victories.

Despite their contributions to the war effort, many Black soldiers and individuals faced discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement in the new nation that emerged after the Revolution. The ideals of freedom and equality espoused during the American Revolution would not be fully extended to African Americans for many years to come, leading to ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality in the United States.