Jordan Freeman: A Fight to Set People Free

Register and learn more: https://berlinpeck.org/events/jordan-freeman-a-fight-to-set-people-free/

Learn about Jordan Freeman as portrayed by Kevin Johnson.
Freeman was an actual person; although he did not enlist himself, he witnessed key events of the war for independence while with Col. Ledyard. Historians estimate the number of black soldiers in this war to have been about 5,000 men, serving in militias, seagoing services, and support activities, including nearly 500 from Connecticut. Some enlisted because they felt it was their duty; others because they were offered their freedom in return for satisfactory completion of a set period of service.

## About the Presenter

Kevin Johnson is an employee of the Connecticut State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit, and he has been portraying Jordan Freeman for about 17 years. In addition to portraying Jordan Freeman, he has been presenting as Pvt. William Webb, a soldier in the Civil War, for 26 years and has given more than 600 presentations.


In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the country. It is an opportunity for reflection on the ideals of the founders of the nation, but also a time to consider the path forward in expanding our realization of those ideals today.