Brave, black patriots were key in the fight for American independence

As we once again celebrate July 4 amid national turmoil, prudence demands that we reflect on the founding moments of our nation.

I read and study history to give myself perspective on who we are as a nation and how we got to where we are — not because I think it will be pretty. Any honest student of history knows that history is a messy affair, full of villains and heroes and everything in between. I’d be mistaken to say that the history of our great country is without flaws, especially given our history of race relations.