Elemental to the American Revolution was the desire to be free. Americans wanted to create their own laws, control their own taxes, vote for their own people. Elevated in the pantheon hall of fame are George Washington, Ben Franklin, Patrick Henry and many others who fought for freedom or risked their lives by joining the cause and writing new laws. Yet, a hero that American schoolchildren never hear of is James Forten. James Forten was a free black man. His father had died at age seven, so he immediately went to work to help support his mother and family. He worked tough jobs like chimney sweeping. When the war broke out, at age fourteen he joined the cause. He sailed missions under Stephen Decature in a privateer ship. The Royal Louis was highly successful until one day the tables turned and everyone on board was captured. British Royal Navy Captain John Beazley was enchanted by young James. James had befriended his son on the ship. Captain Beazley offered James his freedom and a chance to sail to England for what he promised would be a better life. Remarkably, James chose to be a prisoner instead. He refused to denounce his loyalty to America, despite the fact that he had no rights in his own country. James would spend seven grueling months on the notorious prisoner of war ship, the Jersey. An opportunity arose in his small group of prisoners to escape in a trunk in a prisoner exchange. It was determined that young James should go. However; James gave up his berth to freedom to a young white boy who was very sickly, Daniel Brewton. When the hour came, Brewton was successfully whisked to freedom concealed in the trunk. James and Daniel maintained a close friendship for the rest of their lives. Remarkably, James survived his imprisonment on the Jersey, despite the over 11,000 deaths of prisoners on the ship, many from unsanitary conditions.
After finally being released from the prison ship, James spent a year in London as the terms of prisoner exchange forbade him from fighting in the Revolution. England had progressed much farther than the United States in securing rights and liberties for blacks. He learned as much as he could that year abroad and returned home determined to become successful despite all the impediments his skin color imposed. He rose to foreman of Robert Bridges' sailmaking operation. When Robert retired, Robert stunned all of Philadelphia by offering James the opportunity to buy his business. James employed both white and African American workers. He developed his own unique inventions to advance sailmaking. His sailmaking business was in great demand. He became one of the most wealthy and respected businessmen in Philadelphia. He had a reputatino for being not only a savvy businessman, but a kind and fair boss.
As his wealth grew, so did his leadership in the community and philanthropy. He successfully advocated against amendment to the Fugitive Slave Law which would have heaped many restrictions on African Americans. He eventually led the African American community in opposing large scale colonization plans that were an attempt to rid the country of its black population. All this at a time where he could not even vote. He suffered many indignities, such as the destruction of Pennsylvania's Hall, which he helped fund where African Americans would assemble for meetings. The list is long of how James Forten stood up against continued injustices thrown at the African American community intended to encourage their departure out of the country. He always maintained a calm dignity to his manner, no matter what was thrown at him. He charitably funded a newspaper instrumental in articulating the rights of the black community, in addition to funding schools that would educate and train children of color. Like acorns from a tree, all his children grew into strong advocates for the rights of black Americans following his lead. He was an example in family, business, and the community. He was a strong pillar of his church. When James Forten passed, he had one of the largest funerals Philadelphia had ever witnessed. His service was attended by black and white alike. James had loaned out much of his wealth to many needy Philadelphians of all persuasions and color during times where money could scarcely be found. When he died, a huge portion of his assests, the outstanding loans, were never repaid. James Forten was not a man afraid of risk. He lived by principle and treated no man on the basis of the color of his skin.
As history passes, it is incumbent upon us to remember not just those whose stories we have glorified for the ages, but to include a Founding Father hero, James Forten, who achieved more with much less. James Forten is an example of how one must never accept the limitations told or handed down upon them. We each, individually, despite all circumstances are the masters of our fate and the world is a much better place when we bravely live our lives to improve the plot of others.
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