Five for Freedom: The African American Soldiers in John Brown's Army

"Five for Freedom: The African American Soldiers in John Brown's Army" captures a pivotal moment in history on October 16, 1859, when John Brown and his raiders, including five courageous African American men, launched an attack on Harpers Ferry in an effort to ignite a slave insurrection. This gripping narrative not only delves into the ill-fated raid but also richly portrays the lives, struggles, and ultimate sacrifice of John Copeland, Shields Green, Dangerfield Newby, Lewis Leary, and Osborne Perry Anderson. Their involvement in the raid has been overshadowed for far too long, and this book brings their stories to the forefront against the backdrop of pre-Civil War tensions. Published on June 1, 2018, this book is an essential read for high school students and other readers interested in the complexities of racial justice, offering a deeper understanding of the events and legacies that helped shape the course of American history. It challenges us to remember and honor these lesser-known heroes whose actions were instrumental in the fight for freedom and equality.