The Harlowe Patriots: Fourteen Free Men of Color Who Fought in the Revolutionary War

NEW BERN, NC, It's a little known but important piece of American history: black soldiers fighting against the British in the Revolutionary War. It's estimated that 5,000 black soldiers served on the Patriot side during the Revolution, which lasted from 1775 to 1783.Fourteen free men of color from the Harlowe community of Havelock fought in key battles of the war, with General George Washington leading the fight for independence. They answered the call when their country needed them.

Learn more about these unsung heroes as the New Bern Historical Society hosts Dr.Valerie Johnson who will discuss the Harlowe Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2pm at Oringer Auditorium at the New Bern Campus of Craven community College.

Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson is a scholar/activist. She currently works as Co-Director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN) and Director of Infrastructure and Development. From 2020-2024 Dr. Johnson was Dean of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities at Shaw University – an HBCU located in Raleigh NC. Prior to that appointment, Dr. Johnson was Mott Distinguished Professor of Women’s Studies and Director of Africana Women’s Studies at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Johnson has experience connecting undergraduate and graduate students, especially at HBCUs, with community groups working on health equity and environmental justice issues.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Johnson here to share this very important chapter in our history,” explained Executive Director, Anthony Giardino. “The more that is discovered about these 14 patriots, the more exciting the story becomes.”

Tickets will be available starting August 3 at www.New Bern Historical.org or by calling 252-638-8558. Cost is $10 per person. For information on group pricing, call the office.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and share the history of New Bern and surrounding areas through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore- Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.