In a compelling tribute to African American contributions during the Revolutionary War, Woodbury Juneteenth hosted a Black History Month event on Feb. 23 at Bethlehem Baptist Church that featured historical reenactors Noah Lewis and Joe Becton portraying Black soldiers in the Continental Army.
“The importance of celebrating the contributions of African American soldiers who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War is most important, because the myth is that all Black people were poor and enslaved during this period in American history,” explained Councilwoman Donna Miller
“There were many free people of color who were active members of their communities,” she added. “Many who served in the war made significant contributions to the nation’s victory. These stories are seldom told and are at risk of being forgotten.”
Lewis portrayed Ned Hector, a bombardier and teamster in the Continental Army’s artillery unit, who drove wagons of ammunition and supplies. Becton played Jack Sisson, an enslaved African American who gained his freedom by enlisting in the Continental Army and fought in major battles, including at Rhode Island and Yorktown.
“They are both seasoned at portraying these soldiers,” Miller said of Lewis and Becton. “They’ve done the research. They’re historically accurate in dress and language of the period. Audience members young and old learn new facts about the Revolutionary War while being swept away back in time through Noah and Joe’s unique storytelling styles.”
Gloucester Township boasts its own rich Revolutionary War-era history, with noted historic figures and sites that include the Gabreil Daveis Tavern, the Chew Powell House and St. John’s Church. Capt. Isaiah Marple, who served in the New Jersey Militia, is buried at Ashbrook’s Burial Ground at Station and Melville avenues.
Attendees at the free Juneteenth event learned about their community’s significant role in American history.
“Audience members, especially young students, developed a new sense of pride learning that soldiers who looked like them were heroes in the Revolutionary War,” Miller said.
The program was a collaboration between Bethlehem Baptist Church and the Gloucester County Historical Society and was sponsored by the city of Woodbury, the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the New Jersey Historical Commission.
For more information, contact Donna Miller at dmiller@woodbury.nj.us or 856-261-8791.
This program was made possible in part by funding from The Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of Gloucester County, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
