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Learn more about early 1800s Philadelphia where an elder James Forten witnessed how industrialization, new transportation options, and migration transformed the city.

Learn more about how the whole Forten family, not just James Forten, became leaders in movements for education, suffrage, and abolition, and were generous philanthropists.

Learn more about how James Forten and other people of African descent managed to overcome many challenges to become successful in business at a time when most people did not consider them equal.

Learn more about how enslaved people and free people of African descent used the promises of the American Revolution to fight for their rights and freedoms as the young United States grew.

Learn more about how with freedom, liberty, and equality at stake, people of African descent faced opportunities and risks in fighting on both sides of the Revolutionary War.

Learn more about Revolutionary-era Philadelphia where a young James Forten grew up and how the city shaped his formative years.

Take a detailed look at Don Troiani's "The Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770" painting that depicts the chaotic scene in Boston that left five people dead and was used to turn colonists against King George III's rule.

Explore these short framing essays to discover the lives and legacies of free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War privateer, successful businesman, and stalwart abolitionist James Forten and his family.

Black Founders modular activities have been designed in alignment with history standards from the National Center for History in the Schools.

This glossary provides definitions that may be useful as you explore the Black Founders: The Fortens of Philadelphia teacher resources, big ideas, and primary sources.