Honoring Cudjo Banquante: Revolutionary War
Hero
& Newark’s First Black Business Owner
April 27 – May 4, 2025
Newark, NJ – A coalition of historical and cultural organizations invites the public to a series of events honoring Cudjo Banquante (c. 1720 – 1823) an enslaved African who fought in the American Revolutionary War, secured his freedom because of his service, and became Newark’s first Black business owner.
- Born into the Akyem Abuakwa royal family of the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Cudjo became a victim of theTrans-Atlantic trade in Africans. By the time of the American Revolution, he was enslaved by Benjamin Coe of Newark. During the war, the Coe family fled to Morristown, NJ, where Cudjo was enlisted in the Continental Army as a substitute soldier for Benjamin Coe. He fought in multiple conflicts, including the Battles of Monmouth, Germantown, and Yorktown. For his service, he was freed and granted land in Newark, where he built a successful ornamental plant business. Cudjo lived to about 100 years old and was survived by his wife and children. He was buried at Newark’s Trinity Church cemetery, where the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) now stands.
- For a full biography and bibliography please visit: Cudjo Banquante: African Enslaved Soldier Business Owner | The New Jersey Historical Society
- Events are organized by the New Jersey Historical Society, Newark History Society, Newark Public Library,Newark Museum of Art, Morristown Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, 1804 Consultants, Rutgers University, NJPAC, New Jersey Amistad Commission, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Greater Newark Conservancy, artist John Phillip Osborne, composer Courtney Bryan, and Sophia Inclusive Community.
- These events begin in late April and will include performances, a genealogy workshop, film screenings, guided bus tours, and a grave marking ceremony at NJPAC. These events are open to all and most of them are free.
- Additionally, Rutgers University Newark is organizing an academic symposium aimed at an academic audience.
- For venue details and addresses, please visit: Honoring Cudjo Banquante « Newark History Society – Newark, New Jersey
Join us in celebrating this incredible person!
Questions? Contact tericorso@gmail.com or text/call Teri at 973-534-2929
What we’re about…
Hello!
We are a welcoming, inclusive community practicing the discipleship of equals found in early church communities. All gifts are honored, and all gifts are offered in service to our sisters and brothers. In each of our lives, we seek to bring the joy, light, compassion and peace of Jesus to those around us, especially to those most in need.
Our liturgies serve as an alternative to the regular celebration of Mass experienced in most Catholic parishes.
The Sophia Inclusive Community has made the decision to have Sunday morning liturgies, as well as a variety of monthly evening gatherings, video conferenced by Zoom. We will no longer meet regularly in person. This is a decision that was discussed by the entire community and voted upon.
If you would like to connect with us, email Sophia’s pastor at corso_mike@yahoo.com.
Please join us! Come and See!