November 2025 Newsletter

As our nation pauses this Veterans Day to honor those who have worn the uniform in defense of liberty, we must also remember the Forgotten Patriots—the African and Indigenous men and women whose courage and sacrifice helped give birth to the United States during the Revolutionary War.

These patriots fought for a freedom they were too often denied, standing shoulder to shoulder with their fellow soldiers in the battle for independence. Many served without recognition, compensation, or even the basic rights promised by the very ideals they defended. Yet their devotion to liberty, their belief in the revolutionary promise of equality, and their unyielding service make them true American heroes.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, it is time to reclaim and celebrate the full story of our nation’s founding. Remembering the Forgotten Patriots is not only an act of historical justice—it is an act of patriotism. Their stories remind us that the pursuit of freedom has always been diverse, courageous, and deeply human.

This Veterans Day, let us honor all who have fought for liberty—and especially those whose names and legacies are only now being brought to light.

This November, join the global movement of generosity on Giving Tuesday — November 26, 2025 —a time to recognize the spirit of generosity and the power of giving back. Whether through volunteering, supporting a cause you care about, or sharing resources to uplift others, every act of kindness makes a difference.

As the season of gratitude begins, let’s honor the legacy of our ancestors. Together, we can make this month one of impact, compassion, and purpose.

Whether it’s through a donation, volunteering your time, or sharing our mission with others, your participation matters. Together, we can turn compassion into action and help preserve the stories and legacies that inspire future generations.

Please visit our Giving Tuesday page, and THANK YOU.

Breaking News
SOFAFEA Wins Grant Award

The Society of the First African Families of English America is proud to share that our New England Region, under the direction of Vice President Lena Galloway Reddick has been awarded a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Humanities Council for their Expand Massachusetts Stories "Promises of the Revolution” project. This grant offers funding for projects that collect, interpret and/or share narratives about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with an emphasis on the voices and experiences that have gone unrecognized, or have been excluded from public conversation …for more information.  

Save the Date

Annual Conference
 America 250:
Forgotten Patriots A Dream Yet Realized

Conference Weekend: May 1 - 2, 2026

News Makers

• As part of the South Atlantic District’s SOFAFEA 250 initiatives, Vice President Dr. Stephani Miller represented the Society through participation in Daughters Dialogues, an oral history project that documents the lived experiences of African American women whose patriot ancestors contributed to the American Revolution. This presentation was delivered at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Oral History Association on October 18, 2025, underscoring SOFAFEA’s ongoing commitment to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the narratives of descendants whose heritage broadens and enriches the story of America’s founding era.
• As part of the South Atlantic District’s SOFAFEA 250 initiatives, SOFAFEA Member Janice Bryant along with Jonine Ramsey Brown and Devra Harney will be presenting at the Afro-American Historical Society Atlanta Chapter a ground breaking presentation on Breaking Barriers in Lineage Societies: African American Members Who Traced Revolutionary Roots on November 8^th.

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.