honoring black patriots
A monumental mission deserving a monumental brand
Portrait on right courtesy of Kebs Visuals.
Some of the most powerful experiences we have as designers come from opening ourselves up to stories and knowledge from our clients. And one of our latest partnerships, the National Liberty Memorial, gave us a history lesson that offered a whole new perspective on the Revolutionary War.
A More Complete Account
This story begins with Maurice Barboza, a writer and former lobbyist based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1978, Maurice traced his maternal grandmother’s lineage back 200 years to two Revolutionary War soldiers. When his aunt, Lena Santos Ferguson, tried to join the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1980, the group refused her application, although the genealogy had been authenticated by the Sons of the American Revolution. In 1984, the group agreed to settle Mrs. Ferguson’s claims, bar discrimination, and identify “all” black patriots of the Revolutionary War, including thousands of enslaved people who were promised freedom post-war in exchange for their service.
A More Complete Account
This story begins with Maurice Barboza, a writer and former lobbyist based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1978, Maurice traced his maternal grandmother’s lineage back 200 years to two Revolutionary War soldiers. When his aunt, Lena Santos Ferguson, tried to join the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1980, the group refused her application, although the genealogy had been authenticated by the Sons of the American Revolution. In 1984, the group agreed to settle Mrs. Ferguson’s claims, bar discrimination, and identify “all” black patriots of the Revolutionary War, including thousands of enslaved people who were promised freedom post-war in exchange for their service.
Over the next 24 years, Maurice and Mrs. Ferguson stood up to the group’s efforts to foil the research by using criteria so restrictive that thousands of mixed-race veterans were excluded. Their journey spread through news outlets, gained attention from Congress, and ultimately led Ronald Reagan to sign a law commemorating African Americans in the fight for independence. Finally, in 2008 a book was published detailing the names and stories of more than 5,000 enslaved and free Black men and women who contributed to the Revolutionary War effort, many of whom had gone unrecognized for centuries.
But their absence from our traditional Revolutionary War narrative begs the question: why have Black patriots not been memorialized in the ways their white counterparts have? Thus began Maurice’s quest to build a monument in their honor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Over the next 24 years, Maurice and Mrs. Ferguson stood up to the group’s efforts to foil the research by using criteria so restrictive that thousands of mixed-race veterans were excluded. Their journey spread through news outlets, gained attention from Congress, and ultimately led Ronald Reagan to sign a law commemorating African Americans in the fight for independence. Finally, in 2008 a book was published detailing the names and stories of more than 5,000 enslaved and free Black men and women who contributed to the Revolutionary War effort, many of whom had gone unrecognized for centuries.
But their absence from our traditional Revolutionary War narrative begs the question: why have Black patriots not been memorialized in the ways their white counterparts have? Thus began Maurice’s quest to build a monument in their honor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The Path to Memorialization
Maurice came to Design B&B seeking visual and verbal storytelling to aid in his appeal for Congressional and financial sponsorship, hoping to construct the memorial in time for the US’s 250th anniversary. Together, we created a brand identity for the National Liberty Memorial that honors the individual sacrifice, with the goal of raising awareness and inspiring others to join in the action.
The Path to Memorialization
Maurice came to Design B&B seeking visual and verbal storytelling to aid in his appeal for Congressional and financial sponsorship, hoping to construct the memorial in time for the US’s 250th anniversary. Together, we created a brand identity for the National Liberty Memorial that honors the individual sacrifice, with the goal of raising awareness and inspiring others to join in the action.
Thanks to the 2008 research, we were able to use patriots’ names to create a type-as-texture pattern. The I’s separating each name — also seen in the logo — represent the pledge that thousands of Black veterans made to America, particularly this remarkable soldier: “I, James Robinson, swear to be true to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers…”.
Our team also drew inspiration from Kehinde Wiley, whose stunning portraits reinvigorate historical elements with a modern twist. We sourced traditional 18th-century wallpaper patterns, brightening them with vibrant colors inspired by both the US and the Pan-African flags to create a modern aesthetic that reflects the complex forging of a nation.
Thanks to the 2008 research, we were able to use patriots’ names to create a type-as-texture pattern. The I’s separating each name — also seen in the logo — represent the pledge that thousands of Black veterans made to America, particularly this remarkable soldier: “I, James Robinson, swear to be true to the United States of America, and to serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers…”.
Our team also drew inspiration from Kehinde Wiley, whose stunning portraits reinvigorate historical elements with a modern twist. We sourced traditional 18th-century wallpaper patterns, brightening them with vibrant colors inspired by both the US and the Pan-African flags to create a modern aesthetic that reflects the complex forging of a nation.
Left: original concept model designed by David Newton. Right: portrait courtesy of Nico Marks.
Monumental Change
As we worked on this project, we reflected on the larger implications of Maurice’s work. How can a memorial make a difference? A physical space for commemoration physically brings history into the present day, challenging us to re-think what we thought we knew. Every citizen can discover inspiration in those un-commemorated souls, whether through a common heritage, similar appearance, or the determination not to allow pain, suffering, or injustice to dull their purpose. And thanks to Mrs. Ferguson, every American now has access to the names and stories of thousands of forgotten patriots.
Monumental Change
As we worked on this project, we reflected on the larger implications of Maurice’s work. How can a memorial make a difference? A physical space for commemoration physically brings history into the present day, challenging us to re-think what we thought we knew. Every citizen can discover inspiration in those un-commemorated souls, whether through a common heritage, similar appearance, or the determination not to allow pain, suffering, or injustice to dull their purpose. And thanks to Mrs. Ferguson, every American now has access to the names and stories of thousands of forgotten patriots.
Left: original concept model designed by David Newton. Right: portrait courtesy of Nico Marks.
And why now? As our country heads toward our 250th anniversary, we’re keen to unlock the truth of a more complete account of the Revolutionary War, in hopes that we will not repeat our past mistakes, but instead work toward a more unified future.
And why now? As our country heads toward our 250th anniversary, we’re keen to unlock the truth of a more complete account of the Revolutionary War, in hopes that we will not repeat our past mistakes, but instead work toward a more unified future.