Week-Long Celebration in December Commemorates 230th Anniversary of the War for Independence and Features Trenton-native, Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins

Trenton, NJ - It has been said that black history is American history. So why wait until February to explore the contributions black Americans have made to the story of America? This December, the annual Patriots' Week celebration in Trenton, NJ will revisit 1776 and the Revolutionary War, a chapter in America's story with timeless themes of freedom and independence. Patriots' Week runs December 26 – 30, 2006, and will feature battlefield reenactments, Revolutionary era historic site tours, music, art, and more.

This year's Patriots' Week programming includes dozens of activities which commemorate the city of Trenton's role in the Revolutionary War and in the birth of America. Among these events are three program offerings which examine black military service and patriotism during the Revolution and beyond.

Trenton native and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins will be the featured speaker at the Contemporary Patriots' Lecture on Tuesday, December 26. The battle for freedom and the struggle to realize the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution continue today. The Contemporary Patriots' Lecture seeks to bridge the study of the American Revolution as history and the study of the principles of the Revolution as they impact our present lives.

Mayor Dinkins will be followed on Tuesday by Patrick Charles, author of Washington's Decision: The Story of George Washington's Decision to Reaccept Black Enlistments in the Continental Army, December 31, 1775. Mr. Charles will discuss the factors which led George Washington to reaccept black soldiers in the Continental Army, providing insight into the politics behind blacks' Revolutionary military service, the evolution of slaves to soldiers, and the state of the Army during the first year of hostilities.

Issues of race and loyalty color the proceedings of 18th-century trial reenactments by the American Historical Theatre. Set against the distinguished backdrop of the New Jersey State House Assembly Chambers, a jury of audience members will decide the fate of colonial defendants. In one trial, a black privateer is charged with desertion. The trial reenactments will be held on Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29.

"Patriots' Week, with its emphasis on this historic struggle for independence, has particular relevance for African Americans, even today," says Taneshia Nash Laird, Executive Director of the Trenton Downtown Association. "Trenton residents and visitors to our city will gain a greater awareness of the city's place and of New Jersey's place in American history. Patriots' Weeks is also a wonderful opportunity to experience all that the city of Trenton has to offer."

Since 2004, the annual Patriots' Week festivities have attracted thousands to Trenton's capital city. The event promises to be a fun and educational experience for adults and children of all ages. In addition to the Revolutionary War-themed activities, Patriots' Week attendees will also enjoy strolling through historic downtown Trenton, and may be interested in staying overnight or for the entire week. The Trenton Marriott Lafayette Yard hotel, located in downtown Trenton, is offering a special room rate during Patriots' Week.

The City of Trenton is conveniently located on the Northeast Corridor between New York City and Philadelphia making it accessible from all of the area's major airports, the Amtrak, NJ Transit and SEPTA train lines, and major roadways.

Patriots' Week is produced by the Trenton Downtown Association, managers of the city's business improvement district, with assistance from the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism, the New Jersey Historical Commission, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the New Jersey Council on the Arts.

Most of Patriots' Week happenings are free and all are open to the public. For complete schedule of events and additional information please visit www.patriotsweek.com or call 1-877-PAT-WEEK.