James Forten
By
John C Abercrombie
James Forten was a very successful businessman in Philadelphia. Born free, he was able to attend school, but had to quit to help the family earn money after his father died when James was 7.
When he was 14, he served on served on a privateer ship during the American Revolutionary War. The ship was captured by the British and Forten was held captive for 7 months.
Back in Philadelphia he learned he sail maker trade. He was a hard and skilled worker. He was later promoted to foreman and in 1798 he became owner of the company. He established a reputation on the high quality of the work produced in his shop and prospered as a result. Forten made many improvements in the design of the sail which helped his business tremendously.
Forten employed both Black and White workers and at one time employed about 40 workers. He was active in community and church work and helped members with business and legal issues. He gave back to others and helped them succeed as well.
The image of Forten is quite different than we typically view Black pioneers. Given an opportunity, he prospered and was very giving of his abilities to help others. He fought vigorously for the rights of Black people and was a leader in the abolitionist movement.
He was an equal opportunity employer because it was the right thing to do. He often purchased and freed slaves because of his strongly held views as an abolitionist.
He was a supporter of William Lloyd Garrison’s newspaper, “The Liberator”. “The Liberator” spoke of immediate emancipation of all slaves and gained a reputation for its outspoken position on Freedom.
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John C Abercrombie
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Below the books are located videos on James Forten.
The Prison-ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive. This book is focused on kids.
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Laptop Computer
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A Gentleman of Color: The Life of James Forten
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James Forten, Liberty’s Black Champion
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An Imagination Station book
Captured on the High Seas (AIO Imagination Station Books)
ABH – Captured on the High Seas
More History at: http://www.accessible-archives.com/collections/the-liberator/#ixzz4nHHeEjJs
James Forten – sail maker and supporter of anti-slavery legislation
http://blackhistorynow.com/james-forten/
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James Forten
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