James Forten

the Novel

James Forten
Born At The Apex Of Slavery
by
Forest Hairston

James Forten opened his eyes and saw that the day he was born, was at the apex of slavery. Yet here still, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, amid the shallow season of 1766, he was quietly told by his parents that he was a Black child born free. Here now, his life began with an aching heart for every Black child shackled by the abrupt cruelty of bondage. And so, James Forten became a child of sudden destiny. His will to challenge his mind and soul toward goodness and freedom for all his Black people, ever do yet resound against the slowly changing wind.

Early on during his teenage days, where numerous merchant ships sailed across the seas and on across the open world, James Forten became an apprentice to Robert Bridges, a prominent sailmaker. Adeptly learning his skill, he was soon given an equal chance to excel at this most unique craft. Constantly, he worked long hard hours enhancing his young apprentice statue to that of the foreman.

And suddenly, by the age of twenty-two, Mr. James Forten became the owner of his own successful business. Touching upon the year 1832, this Black man had invented an ingenious device, which would handle sails more effectively. Although now famously known as an ardent abolitionist, he loved all people Black or White, and he hired both the Black and the White. With such love and feeling even in being a shrewd businessman, James Forten went on to amass a fabulous fortune.

Black History

Black Legends

Still yet, much more than money could ever buy, James Forten dedicated his life to freedom for all his people. He used his wealthy stance and argued against Black slavery from his Christian church through the marble halls of the United States Congress. James, became as well, a vital part of the famed Underground Railroad, giving money, his courage and all else that anyone could give. James Forten fed every child who came to his house with the swollen pain of dire hunger. He fed every poor person whom he touched on the streets of Philadelphia. A deeply religious man, he was there for every argument of equality, which might abolish slavery.

James Forten was there with his wife Charlotte, and their three daughters, Margaretta, Harriet and Sarah. He was there with his fellow abolitionists, David Ruggles, James McCrummell and his son-in-law Robert Purvis as well. And then so proudly, he walked among his family with fatherly dignity. He became further inspired by his fine activist daughters along with his own dear sons, Robert Forten, and James Forten, Jr., who were following their father toward the glory leading to our Black emancipation. James Forten stood along with Frederick Douglas and William Lloyd Garrison, owner of the renowned "Liberator" newspaper. He was there with these famed people fighting for liberty until came the final hour that he spent here on earth. And so, the final hour here for James Forten was February 24, 1842. Though forever, we shall but ever remember how James Forten prayed for the glorious day, where God would abolish Black slavery.

And still, James Forten was there . . .

"What man might beset his eyes upon a slave, without a helping hand. What man might condone slavery and yet, face God's drifting sand." --Forest Garfield Hairston

James Forten was there . . . Born At The Apex Of Slavery!