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James Forten was born from free black parents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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At the age of 14, during the Revolutionary War Forten served on the privateer Royal Louis commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur Sr.
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Returned to Philadelphia, became apprenticed to sail maker Robert Bridges
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James Forten bought the sail loft by developing a tool to help maneuver the large sails by 1810, Forten had built up one of the most successful sail lofts in Philadelphia.
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James Forten used his wealth and social standing to work for civil rights for African Americans in both the city and nationwide
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James Forten wrote an anonymous letter to congress titled "A Man of Color", arguing on how Pennsylvania has been the home of captive black people
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Opposed colonization movements and American Colonization society.
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Died in Philadelphia Pennsylvania at the age of 75