In the absence of information fantasies, lies, and mis-conceptions abound.  At one point of my life I thought all Africans during the colonial period were enslaved or poor. I had the impression that Africans during this time were only manual laborers and not fighting soldiers. How wrong I was! Until a genealogical study into my own family caused me to stumble across Edward “Ned” Hector, an African-American soldier, artillerist, teamster, and hero of the Battle of Brandywine. Although not directly related, learning about Ned lead me to a clearer understanding of African-American history and their contributions to America’s freedom during this period. I’ve always thought it was wrong for a person to pay the ultimate price and yet be forgotten by those enjoying the benefit of that sacrifice. I want people to know that Africans helped America to be free.

Bachelors in Biology, Specialty in Biomedical Electronics,