Discovering the Unsung Hero: Top 10 Fascinating and Fun Facts About James Forten

1. Monopoly Master and Activist

If James Forten were to play Monopoly, he'd undoubtedly end up with hotels on all the spaces and bankrupt his opponents in no time: Not quite reaching millionaire status, this sail-making businessman became one of the wealthiest Philadelphians in the early 1800s, using his profits and influence to become a powerful activist for civil rights and African Americans' place in the U.S., and even backing William Lloyd Garrison's antislavery newspaper, The Liberator.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Hipster Abolitionist Sailor

He sailed before it was mainstream: James Forten, the ultimate hipster of the abolitionist movement, was also one of the wealthiest chaps in Philadelphia thanks to his successful sailmaking enterprise, and bravely defended the City of Brotherly Love against the Brits during the War of 1812, all while encouraging his wife and daughters to kick some patriarchal butt in the fight for women's rights.
Source => madwomanintheforest.com

Discover how Paul Revere's hidden talent for crafting artificial teeth not only saved his wallet but also played a crucial role in the birth of forensic dentistry in America! 🦷✨

=> Fun Facts about Paul-Revere

3. Tragic Love Story

Talk about a whirlwind romance that rivals Romeo and Juliet: James Forten married his wife, Martha, only to lose her just six months later at the tender age of twenty, leaving a somber love story that echoed through the Philadelphia Evening Post on June 2, 1804.
Source => wikitree.com

4. Presidential DMs

If James Forten were on social media, he'd be a verified user with a blue tick next to his account, sliding into presidential DMs like a pro: This influential abolitionist was actually invited to chat with President Andrew Jackson at the White House, discussing the serious issue of slavery during his time.
Source => amrevmuseum.org

5. Roped into Justice

James Forten, the sail-making mogul, clearly knew the ropes when it came to business and social justice: As a vocal opponent of the American Colonization Society, he used his vast wealth and influence to fight for civil rights for African Americans, ultimately becoming one of the wealthiest Philadelphians of his time - black or white.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Sailmaker Man Superhero

If James Forten were a modern superhero, he'd be Sailmaker Man, fighting for justice with the power of perfectly crafted sails and an impeccable moral compass: This 19th-century Philadelphia entrepreneur amassed great wealth through his sailmaking business and used it to champion civil rights for African Americans, staunchly opposing colonization movements while advocating for their right to a stake in the United States – all with the full support of his super family, who were equally committed to the abolitionist cause.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Poet of Social Justice

While Shakespeare may have asked if a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, James Forten was busy versifying issues far more exceeding than floral semantics: This multi-talented chap penned poignant poems published in newspapers, with his most famous work, "The Grave of the Slave", championing the rights of African Americans and rallying against the atrocities of slavery.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Abolitionist Avengers Family

Who needs superhero crossovers when you have a family of real-life crusaders fighting injustice with all the powers of love, poetry, and marriage? Say hello to the Forten family: James Forten, a wealthy businessman and fervent abolitionist, used his influence and resources to fight for African American civil rights and the eradication of slavery, while his daughters married prominent anti-slavery brothers and his granddaughter became an acclaimed poet and educator. Take that, Marvel!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. Pirate-Abolitionist Adventurer

Ahoy, mateys! If ye be thinking pirates are the only ones who can hold their own on the high seas, then make room on the plank for a Philadelphia hero who once swapped a land-lubber's life for some daring ocean adventures: James Forten, a successful businessman and abolitionist, joined a privateer ship at just 14 years old during the War of 1812, bravely fought against the British, and continued to sail throughout his life – even after being captured and imprisoned on the notorious HMS Jersey.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Diversity Project Sailway

Imagine a dynamic duo of seamstresses from Project Runway meets superhero team assembling sails: James Forten wore the cape of an influential sailmaker, with a twist. His superpower was creating an unlikely utopia where diversity reigned: At the heart of his sailmaking business, an integrated workforce of 30 African American and white employees harmoniously stitched together sails, crafting a vision for a future America that embraced racial unity and camaraderie.
Source => amrevmuseum.org