11: William Cuffay: The Forgotten Black Chartist

Date: October 9, 2024 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #11: William Cuffay: The Forgotten Black Chartist Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller). Summary In today's episode of The Forgotten Black Chartist, we shine a light on William Cuffay—a man who stood small in height but towered as a revolutionary force. Born to an enslaved Black father and white English mother, Cuffay defied the barriers of race, class, and physical disability to become a leader of the 19th-century Chartist movement. Fighting for universal suffrage and workers' rights, he organized strikes, gave fiery speeches, and stood firm even as the government tried to silence him. But Cuffay's rebellion didn't end with his exile to Tasmania—he continued to push for justice from across the globe. So why does history barely remember him? Join us as we uncover the untold story of William Cuffay, the forgotten Black Chartist who helped pave the way for modern democracy. This is history with heart, courage, and a touch of rebellion—don't miss it! Highlights: 00:56= EPILOGUE 01:58= INTRO 02:07= WILLIAM CUFFAY'S BIRTH. 02:09= HIS FATHER CHATHAM CUFFAY. 02:19= HIS MOTHER JULIANA FOX. 02:43= BORN WITH DEFORMITIES. 03:11= ONE OF FIVE CHILDREN. 03:56= MOVES TO LONDON. 04:56= MARRIES ANN MARSHALL. 05:19= MARRIES ANN BROOMHEAD AND HAS A CHILD. 05:26= HIS WIFE AND CHILD PASS AWAY. 05:41= MARRIES MARY ANN MANVELL. 06:45= JOINS THE LABOR STRIKE. 07:23= CHAIR OF THE METROPOLITAN TAILORS' CHARTER ASSOCIATION.                                             08:11= THE PETITION. 09:32= LAND REFORM. 09:57= ORGANIZES 3RD PETITION. 10:01= LAMBETH GATHERING SPEECH. 11:51= SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION AND PLANS AN UPRISING. 12:06= POLICE RAID THE MEETING PLACE. 12:28= ARRESTED. 12:48= STANDS TRIAL FOR FELONY TREASON. 13:19= SENTENCED BY THE JUDGE. 13:36= SAILS TO THE PENAL COLONY. 13:58= GRANTED A TICKET OF LEAVE. 14:12= MARY ANN JOINS HIM. 14:29= PARDONED. 14:40= SUPPORTS AN ALLY'S NOMINATION. 15:01= MARY ANN PASSES AWAY. 15:24= WILLIAM CUFFAY PASSES AWAY. 15:33= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.   Links To Additional Resources: BBC - History - William Cuffay Portrait of William Cuffay - Age of Revolution William Cuffay, Black Chartism and a treasured object - People's History Museum: The national museum of democracy (phm.org.uk) William Cuffay, 1788 – 1870 - chartist ancestors William Cuffay based on a drawing by William Paul Dowling - National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk) William Cuffey – The National Archives Honor William Cuffay: The Chartists' Forgotten Black Leader (jacobin.com) The Story of William Cuffay, Black Chartist | libcom.org William Cuffay - Wikipedia