Foundational Black Americans (FBA) are the proud descendants of the Black men and women who endured and survived one of the greatest atrocities in human history—American slavery. These resilient ancestors built the United States from the ground up, laying the foundation for the nation’s economic, political, and cultural development. However, the rich history of FBA did not begin in 1619 with the arrival of enslaved Black people in Virginia. It began nearly a century earlier.
In 1526, Spanish colonizer Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón brought the first documented enslaved Black people to the shores of what is now the South Carolina and Georgia coastline. Shortly after their arrival, these enslaved Black people courageously revolted against their captors, leading to the collapse of the Spanish settlement. The surviving Spaniards retreated to the Caribbean, leaving behind the liberated Black people. These freed Black people integrated with local Native American societies, marking a pivotal and often overlooked chapter in the lineage and cultural evolution of Foundational Black Americans.
Since that defining moment in 1526, the culture and identity of Foundational Black Americans have been deeply rooted in building, resilience, resistance, and an unwavering fight for justice. This spirit of perseverance and ingenuity has shaped every aspect of American society, from infrastructure and agriculture to music, art, and political activism. FBA are an exceptional people whose enduring legacy continues to inspire generations.
It is important to clarify that Foundational Black Americans (FBA) is not a group or an organization, and there is no designated leader of FBA. FBA is a lineage-based designation that specifically refers to the over 43 million Black Americans who are direct descendants of the Freedmen—the formerly enslaved Black people who were emancipated in the United States. This lineage represents a unique and unbroken connection to the foundational builders of this nation.
We honor and celebrate the rich history, cultural contributions, and unyielding strength of Foundational Black Americans. This recognition is not only a tribute to our ancestors but also a commitment to preserving and advancing the legacy they established. FBA-Inventions FBA-STUDENT-WORKBOOK-COMPANION