Heroes of Red Bank: Black Soldiers of the Revolution

When we picture the American Revolution, we see famous generals in paintings. But what about the people who fought for a freedom they didn’t yet have? In this episode, host M’Kiri Alexander uncovers the pivotal 1777 Battle of Red Bank — a story of impossible odds and unsung heroes. Among them were soldiers from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, one of the first integrated units in U.S. history. M’Kiri visits the battlefield and speaks with historian and director of the battlefied park to unearth artifacts that reveal a more complex and powerful truth about the Revolution’s promise.