July 2025 Newsletter

Happy 249^th Independence Day, SOFAFEA!

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the founding of our great nation, we are reminded of the founding principles of our great nation - liberty, equality, and justice for all, principles that became enshrined in the hearts and the souls of our ancestors.

From the beginning of time, we descend from a proud people who believed in this bold vision as set forth in the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

July 4^th is a day of Reflecting on America’s Promise …the promise that all are created equal, the promise of democracy, the power of unity, and the enduring strength of the Constitution of the United States of America.  

We must remain steadfast in our commitment to building a more perfect union, one that lives up to the ideals that first lit the torch of freedom so many years ago.

Happy Independence Day, America!

America 250 Program 

In celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial, the Society of the First African Families of English America launched a comprehensive Five Star America 250 Program, designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Our comprehensive America 250 Program encourages members to engage in five key areas:

• Education
• Historic Preservation
• Patriotic Service
• Membership Growth
• Community Outreach

Through lectures, restoration projects, veteran support, youth engagement, and public events, SOFAFEA's America 250 Program aims to honor the nation's founding principles and our ancestors’ contributions, while fostering civic responsibility and national pride leading up to nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4^th, 2026.

Franklin Pearson Publishing

We are proud to announce the launch of FRANKLIN PEARSON, a new publishing company and official imprint of the Society of the First African Families of English America.

Dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and preserving the rich legacy of African American history, Franklin Pearson will focus on publishing works that explore themes of heritage, resilience, patriotism, and cultural identity. As an imprint of SOFAFEA, Franklin Pearson is committed to academic excellence, storytelling integrity, and providing a platform for authors who illuminate the untold stories of America’s past and present. This exciting new venture marks a bold step forward in ensuring that diverse narratives are not only heard—but honored.

Celebrating Our
Nations Forgotten Patriots

We are excited to announce the soon to be released five-part series titled "Forgotten Patriots: African and Indigenous Americans in the Fight for American Independence."

This groundbreaking series explores the often-overlooked contributions of American men, women and children of African and Indigenous ancestry who served in the Revolutionary War across the five major theaters of conflict: the Northern, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Western, and Naval campaigns. Each volume uncovers compelling stories of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, drawing from military records, pension files, oral histories, and newly uncovered research.

Written by descendants, historians, genealogists and scholars, this series aims to restore these Forgotten Patriots to their rightful place in the narrative of America’s founding and inspire a deeper, more inclusive understanding of our nation’s struggle for independence.

National Black Family Month

The Society of the First African Families of English America commemorates NATIONAL BLACK FAMILY MONTH,  observed each July and honors the strength, resilience, and unity of Black families across America. It serves as a time to recognize the vital role Black families play in shaping communities, preserving cultural heritage, and nurturing future generations.

This month also brings attention to the unique social, economic, and systemic challenges that Black families have historically faced—and continue to confront—while highlighting the need for policies and support systems that promote equity, opportunity, and family well-being.

By celebrating National Black Family Month, we affirm the value of strong, thriving Black families as a cornerstone of a more just and inclusive society.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Indigenous residents of the United States
were not considered citizens until 1924?

On June 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act conferring citizenship to all American Indians born in the United States.

Up until this point, Native Americans had been denied citizenship — in the original Constitution and the 14th Amendment. Though the Indian Citizenship Act marked an important step in broadening who is included as an American citizen, it did not provide protections to fulfill the full promise of citizenship. It 

News Makers

• SOFAFEA members Andre Kearns, Shelley Murphy, along with frequent summit panel member Bernice Bennett were seen about at the highly successful and informative National Genealogical Conference in Louisville, Kentucky this past May.
• Franklin Pearson Publishing a SOFAFEA imprint was awarded the highly acclaimed Phyllis Wheatley Award from the Society of the Sons and Daughters of he Middle Passage for the book Forgotten Patriots of the Northern Theater. Congratulations to SOFAFEA members Ric Murphy, Connie Curts,  Lisa Fox, Jackie Long, and to Debra Newton-Carter and Judy Sanford-Harris for a job well done. Can't wait for the other books to come out and be awarded similar awards. 
• SOFAFEA members were "in the house" during the Daughters of the American Revolution's Forgotten Patriots Luncheon in Washington, DC this past June., including Angela Smith (DC); Carla Clarke (NJ); Joan Cornwall Murphy (VA); Joyce Mosley (PA);  Laura Harver (MD); Mercedes Franklin (NY); Niambi Jarvis (DC); Sonya Bostic (NJ); Muriel (Dee Dee) Roberts (NJ); Taryn Kennedy (MD); Terri Allen (MD); Yvonne Liser (DC). We apologize but we can only name a few ...lets see there was also Bill Ritchie past president of the District of Columbia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the luncheon speaker Dr. Evelyn McDowell, President of the Society of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage. 

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.