one of the many faces of the early abolitionist movement By Shaniqua Gary

Who am I? Born circa 1723. Death March 5th, 1770 One of the five people killed in the Boston Massacre, in Boston Massachusetts. Named the first martyr of the American Revolution. Only Boston Massacre victim whose name is commonly remembered. Little is known about him before his death.

Ancestry, reputation, and memory In events and records after his death, he is described as ‘mullato’ by the people recanting the scene. Also described as a ‘tall man’, or ‘muscular fellow’. Later Abolitionists focused on his African Ancestry, even though he was of Wampanoag ancestry also.

Role in the Boston massacre Was the leader of a group of men headed toward the vicinity of a government building occupied by British Soldiers. Violence soon erupted, and a British Soldier was struck with a piece of wood that some say was thrown by him. The British opened fire, and five Americans were killed and six were mortally wounded. He was the first to die, taking two shots in the chest.

Legacy After Death Has often been praised in writings meant to inspire racial equality. Martin Luther King Jr. referred to him as, “An example of a man whose contribution to history, though much-overlooked by standard histories, provided a potent message of moral courage.”

Later role in the abolitionists movement Future abolitionist used his example, as a way to show that African-Americans played heroic roles in the history of the United States. As stated earlier, he also held Wampanoag ancestry, and held great significance for many Native Americans, and their fight for equality in American culture and society.