Echoes of Liberty Brings Black History to Life for Mass 250

Immersive storytelling project highlights lesser-known figures from the American Revolution era

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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As Massachusetts prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, a new project called Echoes of Liberty is bringing the stories of three influential Black historical figures to life through immersive storytelling. The project, created by producer, writer and director Nerissa Williams Scott, aims to underscore the crucial role of Black Americans during the revolutionary era, including the stories of Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, and Christmas Addicks, who is widely recognized as the first person killed in the American Revolution.

Why it matters

Echoes of Liberty is an important effort to include and highlight the often overlooked contributions of Black Americans to the founding of the United States. By sharing the stories of these revolutionary-era figures, the project helps to provide a more complete and accurate understanding of the country's history.

The details

The Echoes of Liberty project is being produced at Anawan Studios in Brockton, Massachusetts. It features immersive storytelling techniques to bring the lives of Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, and Christmas Addicks to life. Freeman was an enslaved Massachusetts woman who successfully sued for her freedom in 1781, while Hall was a Boston abolitionist and Revolutionary War-era leader. Addicks is widely recognized as the first person killed in the American Revolution, shot by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre in 1770.

  • The Echoes of Liberty project is being created for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, known as Mass 250.
  • Christmas Addicks was killed by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre in 1770.

The players

Nerissa Williams Scott

The producer, writer and director of the Echoes of Liberty project, which aims to highlight the stories of influential Black figures from the American Revolution era.

Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman

An enslaved Massachusetts woman who successfully sued for her freedom in 1781, making her one of the first enslaved people in the United States to win their freedom through the courts.

Prince Hall

A Boston abolitionist and Revolutionary War-era leader who played a key role in the fight for freedom and equality.

Christmas Addicks

Widely recognized as the first person killed in the American Revolution, shot by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre in 1770.

Blair Underwood

An award-winning actor who is portraying the role of Christmas Addicks in the Echoes of Liberty project.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that including African Americans in the Mass 250 story is necessary. We gave a heritage to this country that needs to be shared and it needs to be remembered.”

— Nerissa Williams Scott, Producer, writer and director of Echoes of Liberty

“Martin carried a message that spoke to my people. Our lives matter, especially in the fight for freedom.”

— Blair Underwood, Award-winning actor

What’s next

The Echoes of Liberty project will be featured as part of the larger Mass 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

The takeaway

By highlighting the stories of lesser-known Black historical figures from the revolutionary era, the Echoes of Liberty project is helping to provide a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the founding of the United States and the crucial role that Black Americans played in the fight for freedom and equality.