On Saturday, February 24 at 10 AM at the Grinton I. Will Library, the Yonkers Public Library is hosting an author talk with Dr. Shirley L. Green. Dr. Green will talk about her book Revolutionary Blacks: Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence. This book is about William and Benjamin Frank, who were freed blacks that joined the Second Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army. In 1778, George Washington authorized segregation in the army, so the Frank brothers were then transferred to the First Rhode Island which was known as “The Black Regiment.”
The Frank brothers saw action during the American Revolution at the Defense of Fort Mercer and the Battle of Red Bank and the Battle of Rhode Island. In 1780, Benjamin Frank deserted the Continental Army and he ended up in British service. William Frank remained with his unit and he fought at the Battle of Yorktown, which was the last battle of the American Revolution.
Revolutionary Blacks: Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence is currently available through the library as an ebook. Physical copies of it are on their way to the library.
To register for this author talk, please visit our website.
Michael Walsh is an Adult Services Librarian at the Will Library. He is currently reading Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat.