June 2025 Newsletter

Battle at Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was a pivotal early conflict in the American Revolutionary War that demonstrated the determination and resilience of the colonial forces. Although technically a British victory, the heavy losses suffered by British troops showed that the inexperienced American militia could stand up to the professional British army. This battle boosted American morale and proved to both sides that the war would be longer and more hard-fought than initially expected. It marked a turning point in the colonists' fight for independence.

It also demonstrated the patriotism and valor of local African and Indigenous men who fought side by side with their neighbors on the battlefield. 

President General Cornwall Recruits Ric Murphy 

Newly elected President General Douglas A. Cornwall quickly recruits Ric Murphy, President General Emeritus to lead the society's America 250 efforts.  

Cornwall said "...Ric has a mastery of the historical facts, and has strong personal, community and organizational connections, and there is no better person to lead and coordinate such a monumental task for the society." Cornwall continues by saying “we look forward to Ric’s vision in bringing forward our ancestors historical contributions to the founding of our nation, in the weeks and months leading up to our nation’s semiquincentennial.”

New
Newsletter Segment

Our newsletters will now feature a new subsection called “Did You Know?”

We will ask a simple question of our newsletters and subsequently provide the answer that will help you become more knowledgeable of African American history.

Are you ready? Look for the first question near the end of this newsletter. 

Pope Leo XIV

Congratulations to genealogist Jari Honora, a family historian at the Historic New Orleans Collection, who uncovered Pope Leo XIV's Creole and African American ancestry through meticulous genealogical research.

Intrigued by the French-sounding surname "Prevost," Honora delved into archival records and discovered that the pope's maternal grandparents, Joseph Norval Martinez and Louise Baquié, were identified as Black or mulatto in late 19th and early 20th-century U.S. Census records. As widely reported, this discovery highlights the complex racial history of America and brings attention to the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Creole Catholics. Honora's findings have sparked discussions and a broader narrative of racial identity in the United States.

Congratulations to Pope Leo and to the Catholic Church on his selection, and scholar Jari for his impeccable genealogical research.

Juneteenth

SOFAFEA commemorates JUNETEENTH DAY for it marks the true end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last remaining enslaved African Americans that they were free. This day symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the long, painful journey toward justice and equality for Americans of African ancestry.

Celebrating Juneteenth honors the strength and contributions of generations who fought for liberation and serves as a reminder that the struggle for civil rights and racial justice continues today.

DID YOU KNOW?

In grade school you learned about the battle of Bunker Hill. But did you learn that there were over 50 American men of African and Indigenous ancestry who also fought at Bunker Hill?

To learn more.

National African American Music Appreciation Month

The Society of the First African Families of English America honors African American Appreciation Month, which is observed every June in the United States, and serves as a powerful reminder of the pain, sacrifices and contributions made by our ancestors, both past and present. 

Historically rooted in rich African traditions and the painful events of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, African American music provided the heartbreak of slave songs and the richness of gospel music. It provided the tempo for jazz, the rhythm for blues, the excitement of swing, and the smooth sounds of Motown.  No matter the period of time African American artists responded to every era with a fresh wave of inspiration and visionary sound. African American music has enabled us to break barriers, build bridges and sooth a broken heart. Our music had inspired generation after generation, connected generations in the past, and will connect us to generations in the future. 

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

For more information

The Society of the First African Families of English America is a 501(c)3 organizations that relies on contributions, and all contributions are tax deductible.