The national theme for Black History Month is “African Americans in Times of War”.  Bear Truth News will pay tribute to several individuals who have contributed to the struggle for liberation.

Mary Elizabeth Bowser was born a slave on a plantation in Richmond Virginia. Mary Elizabeth Bowser became a spy during the Civil War. She worked as a servant for wealthy families. Servants are often treated as if they are invisible. This actually worked to Bowzer’s benefit as a spy.  She was able to “disappear” and listen to conversations and secret plans, even war plans. She ended up getting a job in the Confederate White House. This put her in a prime position for espionage. She found out where troops were going and when they were coming. She shared this information with the Union, helping to secure a victory and the end of slavery.