James Forten

By Ashley_4327

  • James Forten is born on September 2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to free African American parents, Thomas and Margaret Forten.

  • Attends a Quaker school for Black children, where he learns reading, writing, and mathematics.

  • The American Revolution begins, and Philadelphia becomes a center of revolutionary activity.

  • The Declaration of Independence is signed, reinforcing Forten's belief in freedom and equality.

  • His father dies, forcing Forten to leave school and work to help support his family.

  • Joins the Revolutionary War as a powder boy on the privateer ship Royal Louis.

  • Royal Louis is captured by the British, and Forten is imprisoned on the prison ship Jersey for seven months.

  • Released from captivity and makes a long journey back to Philadelphia on foot.

  • The American Revolution ends, and Forten searches for work to rebuild his life.

  • Begins an apprenticeship under Robert Bridges, a white sailmaker who had once employed his father.

  • Proves to be an excellent sailmaker, quickly advancing in the trade.

  • Earns high wages as a sailmaker and starts saving money to eventually open his own business.

  • Robert Bridges decides to retire and entrusts Forten with running the business.

  • Officially takes ownership of Bridges sailmaking company, becoming one of the most successful Black businessmen in Philadelphia.

  • Hires a racially integrated workforce, employing both Black and white workers, which was uncommon at the time.

  • Marries Charlotte Vandine, with whom he later has nine children.

  • Becomes an active abolitionist, speaking out against slavery and racial injustice.

  • Helps form the American Colonization Society (ACS) but later opposes its mission to send free Black people to Africa.

  • Works with other Black leaders to petition against a Pennsylvania law restricting the rights of free African Americans.

  • Becomes a major advocate for voting rights, fighting against efforts to disenfranchise Black men in Pennsylvania.

  • Helps establish the American Anti-Slavery Society, strengthening abolitionist efforts.

  • Publishes a pamphlet criticizing race-based discrimination and colonization plans.

  • Helps finance The Liberator, the anti-slavery newspaper founded by William Lloyd Garrison.

  • Joins the founding of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, promoting the role of women in abolitionism.

  • Continues to speak out against racial inequality and supports education for Black children.

  • Passes away on August 12 in Philadelphia, leaving behind a legacy of activism, business success, and abolitionist leadership.