The Bustill family was an early pioneering African American family with a lineage that traces back to colonial Philadelphia. They proudly contributed to the war effort during the Revolutionary War as loyal supporters of the Continental Army, and risked their lives to secretly transport wagon loads of bread to feed George Washington's hungry troops. As early abolitionist, the Bustills were actively involved in the Underground Railroad, and were leaders in several early anti-slavery organizations. The family included prominent and outspoken abolitionist, entrepreneurs, educators, scholars, writers, journalist, socialites, artist, musicians, singers, actors, and athletes. The Bustill family is one of the oldest historical African American families in the US, having been leaders in establishing many of the earliest African American institutions, and in breaking many racial barriers.

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