"How far would you go for freedom?"

Newtown Historical Society presented this question as part of a fascinating lecture and dramatic performance about Jordan Freeman, an African American who fought against the British in Connecticut, on Saturday, March 21.

Held at Newtown Senior Center, the event was enjoyed by small crowd who gave intense applause at its conclusion, as they were thoroughly impressed with the presentation by Kevin Johnson, who works in the Connecticut State Library History and Genealogy unit.

Per the Connecticut Freedom Trail (CFT), the question “How far would you go for freedom?" had a dual meaning in the era of the Revolutionary War, when African Americans had to decide if they would fight for freedom alongside the same white men who enslaved them.

During CFT's virtual presentation about Freeman, it was explained that while the ultimate goal of the war may have been an independent United States, but the reason for many men was a personal desire for freedom.

Johnson, who portrayed Freeman in the presentation, has been portraying him for 17 years, giving over 700 performances as him and another African American historical figure, William Webb.

It helps Johnson's performance, he said, that Freeman was an extraordinary person himself. He was born in 1732 and escaped from slavery as a young man. Eventually he found himself as the servant of John Ledyard, and the body servant of Colonel William Ledyard during the Revolutionary War.

It was in this latter role that Freeman found himself at the Battle of Groton Heights, where the British seized Fort Trumbull with a force of 800 men versus the 165 defenders.

Despite a valiant effort, the revolutionaries surrendered the fort, but the British soldiers offered no quarter. Freeman was killed along with most of the other defenders of the fort.

Johnson said Freeman’s presence at the battle was a testament to the willingness of African Americans to fight for their freedom, as enslaved people were often offered their freedom in exchange for fighting for the Revolution.

More than 500 African Americans and Native Americans from Connecticut fought in the war, joining the 5,000 people of color who fought across the colonies, Johnson also noted during the presentation. The British also offered freedom for remaining loyal to the crown, but Johnson said that the nascent patriotism of even enslaved people "prevented most from taking the offer.”