As the descendant of enslaved people, I mourn the Fourth of July.

That said, Independence Hall has a prominent place in Black history.

Independence Hall is the place where the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776; 34 of the 56 signers, including Thomas Jefferson, enslaved Black people.

Independence Hall is the place where the U.S. Constitution, which counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person and mandated that freedom seekers be returned to bondage, was signed.

Independence Hall is the place where, from 1850 to 1854, hearings were held to return the self-emancipated to slavery under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

Independence Hall is the place where master silhouette artist Moses Williams worked “every day and evening.”

I have nominated Moses for a Pennsylvania historical marker. If the nomination is approved, the marker will be installed near Independence Hall in 2026.

UPDATE: My nomination was approved. Moses Williams’ historical marker will be dedicated in 2026, the 250th anniversary of his birth.

In the meantime, All That Philly Jazz Founding Director Faye Anderson will lead a walking tour, Moses Williams’ Philadelphia.