#OTD: Abolitionist James Forten Born in 1766

On this day in 1766, James Forten was born in Philadelphia. A free Black man, Forten became a successful sailmaker and inventor, developing an improved sail design that earned him respect in a trade dominated by white craftsmen. He used his wealth and influence to support abolitionist causes, fund antislavery publications, and aid the Underground Railroad. Forten believed in education and opportunity for Black Americans and became a leading voice against colonization schemes. He passed away on March 4, 1842, leaving a legacy of resistance, innovation and justice. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.