Still frame from Foundation Academies Black Student Union's 'Men W/O Shoes' AI Film - Photo credit: Foundation Academies c/o BSU
(TRENTON, NJ) -- In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial, Foundation Academies, a free public charter school educating more than 1,200 scholars in grades K-12, has partnered with the Princeton Battlefield Society to present Men W/O Shoes – a first-of-its-kind exhibit highlighting the role of Black soldiers in the American Revolution. The exhibit will be open to the public Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Historians estimate Black soldiers comprised between 5% to 20% of the colonial army. Men W/O Shoes brings their stories to life, allowing visitors to experience the Battles of Trenton and Princeton through the lives of 14 Black soldiers who often marched barefoot and fought in place of their owners alongside General George Washington for the nation's freedom – though not for their own.
Through archival and historical research, 30 members of the Foundation Academies' Black Student Union in grades 9-12, stepped into the role of historians, uncovering and retelling the lives of these overlooked patriots. Guided by advisors Casey Scott and Earl Wallace, scholars became primary researchers and authors of history, rather than just simply studying existing narratives. Their work honors the bravery, sacrifice, and legacy of men whose contributions were often undocumented or minimized.
Foundation Academies BSU scholars conducts research for Men Without Shoes Project at Princeton Battlefield Society. Photo credit: Foundation Academies c/o BSU
The Soldiers in the Exhibit: Charles Ailstock, James Ailstock, Edward "Ned" Bradley, Phillip James, Robert Prince Green, Primus Hall, Job Lathrop, Edward Hopps, Isaac Walker, Peter Jennings, Cato Smith, Jacob Francis, Oliver Cromwell, Samuel Sutphin
"There would be no 250th anniversary if it weren't for these 14 men," said Scott, a student success team school social worker. "This project takes Black history and places it where it belongs, at the center of American history."
The exhibit features student-created, AI-generated monologues, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and a companion art installation inspired by JET magazine covers by Philadelphia visual artist Shaheed Rucker. Together the powerful multimedia elements bring these soldiers' 18th century stories to life using 21st century methods designed to engage students, and spark reflection and dialogue.
"Our scholars' exploration of Black soldiers who fought in the Battle of Princeton is more than a history lesson – it's a powerful journey of discovery and identity," said Sheria McRae, CEO of Foundation Academies. "Our scholars honor the legacy of these brave men by ensuring their stories are told for the countless students who will study what they documented."
Foundation Academies BSU scholars and BSU Advisor Earl Wallace and Casey Scott conduct research for Men Without Shoes Project with Catherine Medich at NJ State Archives. Photo credit: Foundation Academies c/o BSU
Following the event, the project will be featured online and added to the Princeton Battlefield Society's growing digital encyclopedia of American Revolution history in New Jersey. Educators will be able to use this resource to support lessons about these battles, the Revolutionary War and the nation's founding. The research will also expand Princeton Battlefield Society's Eyewitness to the Revolution program.
"While historians have long acknowledged Black participation in Washington's army, there has never been a deep dive into who these men were as individuals," said Mark Herr, Princeton Battlefield Society trustee. "They marched, fought, and bled, alongside other soldiers. We're proud to partner with Foundation Academies to ensure brave men like Oliver Cromwell and Samuel Sutphin are not left out when we tell that story."
An opening night reception will be held on Thursday, February 19 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Morven Museum & Garden (55 Stockton Street) in Princeton.
Foundation Academies is a free, public charter school educating more than 1,200 scholars K-12 in Trenton, NJ. FA school performance ranks in the top 15% of all New Jersey public schools and their scholars recently scored in the top 1% for academic growth. FA graduation rate exceeds the statewide average and their college acceptance rate is 100%.
The Princeton Battlefield Society is a national historic non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of the Princeton Battlefield as a national treasure of the American Revolutionary War.
Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, NJ is the only original house of a signer of the Declaration of Independence that is open to the public.
