Barzillai Lew was an Black American soldier and musician who played a significant role in the American Revolution. Born free in Massachusetts in 1743, he was a skilled fifer and drummer. He first served in the French and Indian War before enlisting in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Lew fought in key battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Saratoga, where his musical talents boosted the morale of American troops.
Despite racial discrimination, Lew’s contributions to the fight for independence were invaluable. After the war, he settled in Massachusetts, where he became a respected landowner and community leader. His legacy continued through his descendants, many of whom became prominent musicians and abolitionists. Lew’s service highlights the vital role of Black patriots in the Revolutionary War and their enduring impact on American history.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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