In a remarkable tribute to the overlooked contributions of Black soldiers during the American Revolution, Foundation Academies and the Princeton Battlefield Society have unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Men W/O Shoes.” This student-led multimedia project, showcased at Morven Museum & Garden during Black History Month, sheds light on the untold stories of 14 Black Revolutionary War soldiers who played pivotal roles in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Restoring the Legacy of Forgotten Soldiers: A Revolutionary Exhibition
The exhibition emerges at a significant moment, as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Historians estimate that Black soldiers comprised between 5% and 20% of the Continental Army, often marching barefoot and fighting in place of their enslavers. Despite their critical contributions, these soldiers have largely remained unnamed in traditional historical narratives—until now.
Driven by the passion and dedication of thirty Black high school students from grades 9 to 12, the exhibition is the result of a year-long endeavor. Under the guidance of faculty advisors Casey Scott and Earl Wallace, students delved into original archival research, producing AI-generated monologues, a documentary film, and collaborating with Philadelphia visual artist Shaheed Rucker to create compelling portraits inspired by JET magazine covers.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes:
- Charles and James Ailstock: Brothers who fought valiantly at key battles, their enlistment as free Black men was both an act of patriotism and a claim to belonging in a new nation.
- Edward “Ned” Bradley: Known through pension testimony, Bradley’s story exemplifies the erasure of Black patriots from official records.
- Robert “Prince” Green: Born enslaved, Green found freedom through military service, later becoming a free man and musician.
- Primus Hall: Transitioned from soldier to civic leader, advocating for Black education and veteran recognition.
- Job Lathrop: An enslaved soldier whose military service ultimately led to his emancipation.
- Isaac Walker: Among the first African American Marines, Walker’s service highlights the significant contributions of Black soldiers.
- Peter Jennings and others: Each story, from Oliver Cromwell to Samuel Sutphin, adds a vital chapter to America’s foundational history.
The exhibition not only honors these forgotten heroes but also offers a profound reflection on the intersection of race, service, and identity in America’s past. “There is no American history without Black history,” declared advisor Casey Scott. “Our students reclaimed these soldiers’ stories and, in doing so, reclaimed their own place in American history.”
The debut weekend drew a diverse crowd of students, educators, families, and historians. Among them, Dawn Lathrop Goode, a descendant of soldier Job Lathrop, expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt video message, underscoring the personal impact of the project. “What these students have done is such a gift to my family, bringing my ancestor’s story to life in a way he never could have imagined 250 years ago,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Princeton Battlefield Society plans to integrate the students’ research into its digital encyclopedia and educational programs. The exhibition stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and historical reclamation, bridging past and present while inspiring future generations to preserve the stories of those who came before them.
For institutions interested in hosting this profound exhibition or screening the documentary, contact Casey Scott at cscott@foundationacademy.org.
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