November 1st 2025.
Cudjo Banquante was a remarkable individual with a rich and often overlooked history. Born into the royal family of Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana around 1720, he was unfortunately captured and sold into slavery. But despite this cruel fate, Banquante never gave up his fighting spirit. He even went on to fight in the American Revolution, bravely serving in the Continental Army and participating in several battles including Monmouth, Germantown, and Yorktown.
After gaining his freedom, Banquante settled in Newark, New Jersey and became the city's first documented Black business owner. This fact alone is worth celebrating, but Banquante's story goes even deeper. He was a descendant of African royalty, a warrior in one of the most significant wars in history, and a pioneer in the business world. Yet, his contributions have been largely forgotten and overlooked.
Fortunately, thanks to the Honoring Cudjo Banquante! project, Banquante's story is finally being brought back into the spotlight. This initiative, funded by a generous $15,000 grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, has set out to restore Banquante's story to the state's early history. And the recent week-long celebration, held from April 27 to May 4, was a major step towards achieving this goal.
The event was a collaboration between several organizations, including the Newark History Society, Rutgers University-Newark, and the Greater Newark Conservancy. It featured a variety of activities, such as film screenings, genealogy workshops, guided tours, and a special ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which was once the location of Banquante's burial site. The highlight of the event, however, was the unveiling of a new historical marker honoring Banquante, which now stands proudly outside the NJPAC.
According to NJCH program officer Kimberly Brown, this marker is a vital addition to the city's growing network of African-American heritage sites. It serves as a physical connection to Banquante's story and reminds us of the importance of inclusivity in our portrayal of history. As Carin Berkowitz, executive director of NJCH, stated, Banquante's life is a powerful reminder that the American story is not complete without the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced.
Banquante's legacy is one of resilience, courage, and determination. He overcame incredible odds and left a lasting impact on his community. And now, with the Honoring Cudjo Banquante! initiative, his story is being rightfully recognized and celebrated. This recognition is not only a source of healing for the community but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. As we continue to honor and remember Banquante's legacy, we are reminded of the enduring power of the human spirit.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
