Convinced that Mrs. Ferguson's treatment was a reflection of America's ignorance of black contributions, Mr. Barboza decided to do something about it.

With the help of Rep. Nancy L. Johnson (CT), Mr. Barboza convinced Congress in March 1984 to pass Public Law 98-245, "honoring blacks' contributions to independence." 

In February 1985, Mr.  Barboza, Mrs. Ferguson and two others, including Henry J. Ferguson (a World War I veteran and grandson of a slave) incorporated The Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation. 

Rep. Johnson, Rep. Charles B. Rangel, and former Senator Albert Gore, Jr. (TN) introduced legislation that year to authorize The Patriots Memorial.

Rep. Nancy L. Johnson, Mrs. Ferguson, and Mr. Barboza watch President Reagan sign a bill in March 1984 honoring the role of black patriots in the Revolutionary war.  Sponsored by Rep. Johnson and Sen. Lowell Weicker, this legislation paved the way for the memorial.  The picture was taken just after Mrs. Ferguson’s struggle to become a member of the DAR became national news.