Philadelphia’s Black History All-Stars: Untold Stories of Courage & Impact
- Philadelphia’s rich Black history often focuses on a select few well-known figures.
- Barkley’s motivation stemmed from conversations with high school students who often limited their aspirations to careers in sports or entertainment.
- James Forten, born free in Philadelphia in September 2, 1766, rose to prominence as a successful businessman and dedicated abolitionist.
Philadelphia’s rich Black history often focuses on a select few well-known figures. However, a recent project spearheaded by basketball legend Charles Barkley aims to broaden that lens, spotlighting individuals whose contributions have been historically overlooked. This initiative, detailed in Philadelphia magazine, seeks to provide role models for young Black students and a more complete understanding of the city’s past.
Barkley’s motivation stemmed from conversations with high school students who often limited their aspirations to careers in sports or entertainment. Recognizing the need for diverse representation, he collaborated with The Philadelphia Citizen to identify individuals who excelled in fields like science, culture, politics, and architecture. The project acknowledges that societal recognition is often uneven, and aims to ensure future generations inherit a more accurate and inclusive historical narrative.
James Forten: A Businessman and Activist
James Forten, born free in Philadelphia in , rose to prominence as a successful businessman and dedicated abolitionist. He built a thriving sailmaking business that employed both Black and white workers, becoming one of the wealthiest Philadelphians of his time, regardless of race. Forten didn’t simply achieve financial success; he actively used his position to advocate for social justice.
His commitment to equality manifested in several ways. He led the fight against a proposed Pennsylvania law that would have required Black residents to register with the state, successfully preventing its passage. Forten’s powerful words, captured in a quote from his writings, reflect his belief in the inherent equality of all people: “Has the God who made the white man and the black left any record declaring us a different species? Are we not sustained by the same power, supported by the same food … And should we not then enjoy the same liberty …?”
Forten’s journey to success was marked by resilience. He left school at age nine to support his family and, during the Revolutionary War, was captured by the British. He avoided enslavement by impressing the ship’s captain, who treated him as a prisoner of war. Upon his return to Philadelphia, he apprenticed with a sailmaker, eventually taking over the business and establishing himself as a leader in the community.
Charlotte Forten Grimké: Educator and Writer
Charlotte Forten Grimké, born in , continued the family legacy of activism and intellectual pursuit. As the granddaughter of James Forten, she benefited from a privileged upbringing that emphasized education and social responsibility. Grimké became the first Black northerner to teach formerly enslaved people during the Civil War, working on St. Helena Island as part of the Port Royal Experiment.
Her experiences teaching on the island, while challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences, were documented in articles published by Atlantic Monthly. These writings helped to raise awareness of the educational needs of formerly enslaved communities and spurred the establishment of more schools in the South. Grimké was also a prolific writer, keeping journals that offer valuable insights into American society during and after slavery.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: A Voice for Social Change
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, born in , was a multifaceted figure—a writer, abolitionist, suffragist, and teacher. She dedicated her life to advocating for education, temperance, and social responsibility. Harper’s literary contributions included over eleven books of poetry and fiction, with her novel Iola Leroy being one of the first published by an African American author.
Harper’s commitment to social justice extended to her involvement with the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves in their journey to freedom. She consistently challenged societal norms and championed the rights of marginalized communities.
A. Leon Higginbotham Jr.: A Trailblazing Jurist
A. Leon Higginbotham Jr., born on , broke barriers throughout his career as a legal scholar, and jurist. He was the first African American appointed to a federal regulatory body by President Kennedy, serving on the Federal Trade Commission, and later became the first African American district court judge in Philadelphia under President Carter in .
Higginbotham was a powerful advocate for the downtrodden, unafraid to confront injustice. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to civil rights and served as an advisor to both President Lyndon B. Johnson and Nelson Mandela. His legacy is honored through a mural in Philadelphia, a testament to his enduring impact on the city and the nation.
Caroline LeCount: A Pioneer in Desegregation
Caroline LeCount, born around , is remembered as a pivotal figure in Philadelphia’s early civil rights movement. She challenged segregation on public transportation, filing complaints and petitions to repeal laws that discriminated against Black riders. In one notable instance, she filed a complaint after being refused service on a streetcar, leading to a fine for the conductor.
Alongside her fiancé, Octavius Catto, LeCount also advocated for equal access to education, insisting that Black teachers be appointed as principals in schools serving Black students, believing that “colored children should be taught by their own.”
Joyce Craig Lewis: A Heroic Firefighter
Joyce Craig Lewis, born on , tragically became the first female firefighter in Philadelphia to die in the line of duty on , while attempting to rescue an elderly woman from a house fire. Her lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, inspired by childhood encounters with firefighters, led her to serve on multiple engines and ladders within the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Her dedication and sacrifice are commemorated by a unique tombstone shaped like a firefighter’s badge, a tribute from the Philadelphia Fire Department and Club Valiants, an association for Black firefighters.
Alain Leroy Locke: The Dean of the Harlem Renaissance
Alain Leroy Locke, born on , was a writer, philosopher, and intellectual leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He was the first African American Rhodes Scholar and played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and artistic movement that celebrated Black identity and creativity. Despite facing discrimination, Locke dedicated his life to promoting cultural pluralism and recognizing the beauty and value of diverse artistic expressions.
These individuals, highlighted by Charles Barkley’s project, represent a small fraction of the countless Black Philadelphians who have made significant contributions to society. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of those who have been historically marginalized, and of providing role models for future generations.