Community Freedom Party (CFP) names James Forten as its History Maker of the Month due to his contributions to the founding of the United States and his work for better representation of African Americans in politics.
As its History Maker of the month, the Community Freedom Party has selected James Forten, a Revolutionary War Veteran who created a highly profitable sailmaking business and used his wealth to further abolitionist initiatives.
James Forten was born free on September 2, 1766, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James was one of two children of Thomas and Margaret Forten. Thomas Forten was a sailmaker and a grandson of a slave who had freed himself.
Although James' mother Margaret had wanted him to continue his education, James left school to work full-time after his father died in order to support his mother and sister. James worked as a chimney sweep and as a grocery-store clerk.
James served as a privateer on the Royal Louis during the Revolutionary War. The Royal Louis was later captured by a Royal Navy warship. James became a prisoner of war and released after seven months.
In 1790, James became an apprentice to sail-maker Robert Bridges, his father's former employer. James was eventually promoted to foreman.
When Robert Bridges retired in 1798, James purchased the business. He invented a sail-making device and, by 1810, he had built one of the most successful sail lofts in Philadelphia and became one of the city's most wealthy citizens. He employed not only white workers, but used his position to employ other African Americans.
James later used his influence to fight for the national abolition of slavery and to gain increased rights for African Americans, who were discriminated against in the North and generally could not vote or serve on juries. Feeling a sense of obligation to work on political issues in his community, he was among the signers of a petition to the U.S. Congress calling for the abolition of the slave trade and the modification of laws mandating that fugitive slaves be returned to the South. He 1813, he authored a pamphlet called Letters From A Man of Colour, which denounced a bill under consideration in the Pennsylvania legislature requiring all black emigrants to Pennsylvania to be registered with the state. James felt it was important that citizens of the black community be valued and respected. Partly due to his efforts, the legislature did not pass the bill.
James Forten also fought efforts to resettle African Americans in Haiti, Africa and Haiti. James noted that most American blacks had been in the United States for many generations. They had contributed to its founding and growth, and they had claim to it as their land and deserved all rights as citizens. James believed that black Americans should be allowed to play an equal role in their land of the United States. He wanted others to know that those calling for the resettlement of blacks in other lands were not necessarily working in the best interest of black Americans.
James Forten was married twice. His first wife, Martha Beatty died after only a few months of marriage. With his second wife, Charlotte Vandine, he had nine children: Robert, Margaretta, Harriet, Sarah Louisa, Charlotta, William Deas, Mary Theresa, Thomas, and James, Jr.
The Community Freedom Party recognizes James Forten not only due to his contributions to the founding of the United States and its economic growth, but also due to his recognition of the importance of proper political representation for the African American community. As stated by his biographer Julie Winch:
"His rise to prominence, his understanding of the nature of power and authority, his determination to speak out and be heard are object lessons in the realities of community politics."
For more information about James Forten and other notable people in American History, check out BlackPast.org.
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