The history of black settlers in America began in the year 1619 with the arrival of twenty Africans in the colony at Jamestown, Virginia. The twenty Africans, sold to the colonists in exchange for food, became indentured servants. Cries for freedom were made by both blacks and whites before and during the period of the American Revolution. This book re-creates the history of black people in America from their arrival in the colonies through the time when the United States Government was formed. It describes ways in which white colonists lowered the status of blacks in America. Also included in these pages are examples of how black people overcame many obstacles and managed to develop their talents and thus contributed to the culture of early America.