June 19, 2026
For generations, the American history curriculum has centered on figures such as Paul Revere, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. Their names have become synonymous with the nation's founding, reinforced through textbooks, classrooms, and public memory.
However, the contributions of Black Americans who played pivotal roles in shaping the United States have often received far less recognition. Historical figures such as Crispus Attucks, Elizabeth Freeman, and Prince Hall remain largely absent from mainstream historical narratives despite their lasting impact on the nation's development.
Recognizing this disparity in historical education, CEO, producer, and educator Nerissa Scott Williams created Echoes of Liberty, an immersive educational initiative designed to illuminate the stories of Black Americans during the Revolutionary era through the use of Augmented Reality (AR).
With an idea that sprouted 13 years ago, Echoes of Liberty uses Hoverlay's AR technology to provide audiences with an interactive learning experience. Through a QR code or digital link, users can access stories that explore the lives and contributions of Black individuals whose roles in American history have frequently been overlooked.
“As a great-grand daughter of share croppers in Texas, I was raised to honor those who came before me,” Scott Williams said during a panel discussion held at The Quin House in Boston last Wednesday.
Scott Williams' interest in the project began with Crispus Attucks, who is often remembered primarily as the first person killed in the events leading to the American Revolution. While Attucks is frequently referenced in historical accounts, Scott Williams believed his story warranted deeper examination.
As she researched Attucks' life and legacy, she uncovered a broader network of Black historical figures whose contributions were similarly underrepresented. Among them were Elizabeth Freeman, whose legal challenge helped undermine slavery in Massachusetts, and Prince Hall, an influential abolitionist and advocate for Black rights and education.
What began as an exploration of Attucks' legacy ultimately evolved into a broader effort to elevate the stories of Black Americans whose contributions have not received equal attention within traditional historical education.
To bring these narratives to life, Scott Williams assembled a cast of notable performers, including acclaimed actor Blair Underwood, who portrays Attucks in the project. Using Hoverlay AR technology, she was able to blend these stories with the viewer's surroundings.
Nicolas Robbe, CEO of Hoverlay, spoke on this at the same panel saying, “With AR you are enabling people to stand at a specific location and overlay virtual content that helps them realize they are standing right where history took place.”
Now, 13 years after the concept was first conceived, Echoes of Liberty has officially launched as part of the nation's observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Looking ahead, Scott Williams hopes to continue developing projects that highlight the experiences and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Through initiatives such as Echoes of Liberty, she aims to encourage broader engagement with the stories that have shaped the nation but have too often remained outside the historical spotlight.
More information about Echoes of Liberty and Nerissa Scott Williams is available through the project's official website linked here.