Celebrating Black History Month: DAR Highlights Heritage and Initiatives

Celebrating Black History Month with the DAR

As we embrace the significance of Black History Month, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) takes a moment to honor its members and their rich, diverse backgrounds. This celebration is not only about acknowledging the contributions of Black Americans but also about bringing to light the critical initiatives that DAR undertakes to educate others about Black history and its connection to the American Revolution.

Historically significant figures, often overlooked in traditional narratives, are given voice through the stories shared by DAR members. One notable example is Dymond Bush, a member and Rhode Island State Regent. She has been actively involved in commemorating her two Revolutionary War Patriots of color by cleaning their historical headstones, reminding us of their sacrifices and roles in securing American independence.

President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage emphasizes that for many DAR members, exploring their genealogy and family roots is a way to celebrate both their past and present identities. She urges everyone to delve deeper into their connections with Revolutionary War Patriots, especially those whose stories are not commonly found in history books. The DAR actively invites individuals to consider membership and to join in the quest to uncover their family histories.

To enhance awareness and understanding of all who contributed to the birth of the nation, DAR launched the E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative in 2020, inspired by America’s motto, meaning “out of many, one.” This initiative aims to shed light on the numerous unsung heroes of the Revolutionary War, including Black, Native American, and female Patriots. By expanding on a long-standing DAR project, the organization is working to identify and honor these patriots from diverse backgrounds.

One of the hallmark features of this initiative is the DAR Patriots of Color Database, a free online research resource that documents individuals of Black, Indigenous, and multiracial heritage who played crucial roles in the Revolution. This initiative is complemented by a collaboration with American Ancestors to integrate this invaluable data into their 10 Million Names project, further enriching the contributions of these historical figures.

For those starting their genealogical journeys, DAR provides a complimentary genealogy guide on its website, designed to assist individuals in tracing their family lineages. Members like Yvonne Liser, a 4th-generation Washingtonian and current DAR State Regent for D.C., have undertaken ambitious projects to digitize historical records, ensuring that future generations have access to their histories.

Liser believes that many people of color may find genealogy intimidating, but resources are available, and she enjoys aiding others in navigating their familial pasts. Her lineage includes David Charity, a Revolutionary War Patriot and a free Black man from Virginia, who symbolizes the contributions many overlooked individuals made during critical moments in American history.

Additionally, DAR member Carla Clarke proudly traces her descendants back to Patriot Cyrus Bustill, who was born into slavery but overcame his circumstances to contribute by baking bread for George Washington's troops at Valley Forge. Clarke’s involvement with DAR has illuminated her ancestry's continuous thread of educational and community service, inspiring her to work actively in fostering similar values in others.

In yet another tale of perseverance, Taryn Kennedy, also a DAR member, points to her ancestral connection with Thomas Stewart, recognized as the first free Black physician in 18th-century America. Stewart’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse backgrounds that shaped America’s founding.

Dymond Bush’s dedication to the legacy of her forebears from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment attests to the importance of remembrance. This regiment was the first integrated military unit in the U.S. Bush’s projects include donating historical literature and marking the contributions of these patriots so that their legacies remain alive.

As DAR continues these impactful initiatives, they remind us that membership transcends personal heritage; it becomes a shared commitment to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse histories that form the foundation of our nation.

About the DAR

Founded in 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was established to honor and preserve the memory of those who contributed to American independence. Open to women aged 18 and above from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, DAR stands as one of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations globally, boasting 190,000 members across 3,000 chapters. Through a myriad of initiatives focused on education, community service, and historic preservation, DAR actively promotes a culture of patriotism and heritage awareness among its members and the public.