Margaretta Forten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaretta Forten
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| Born | September 11, 1806 |
| Died | January 14, 1875 (aged 68) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Known for | activism, suffragist, abolitionist |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis (sister), Harriet Forten Purvis (sister) |
Margaretta Forten (born September 11, 1806 – died January 13, 1875) was an important African-American activist. She worked hard to end slavery and fought for women's right to vote. People who wanted to end slavery were called abolitionists. Those who supported women's right to vote were called suffragists.
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Early Life and Activism
Margaretta Forten was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 1806. Her parents, Charlotte Vandine Forten and James Forten, were also strong abolitionists. Her father even started a group called the American Moral Reform Society.
In the 1830s, many groups working to end slavery did not allow women to join. Because of this, Margaretta, along with her mother Charlotte and her sisters Sarah and Harriet, decided to take action. In 1833, they helped create the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. Ten other women joined them.
The Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society
The main goal of this new society was to make sure women could be part of the fight against slavery. They also wanted to help Black people gain their full rights and become more active in society.
Margaretta Forten played a big role in the Society. She often worked as the recording secretary or the treasurer. She also helped write the group's rules and served on its education committee. The Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society was special because it was the first group of its kind in the United States to include both Black and white women. Even though most members were white, the Forten women helped make sure the group also shared the strong views of Black abolitionists.
Teacher and Speaker
Margaretta Forten also traveled and gave speeches to support women's right to vote. She helped with efforts to collect signatures for petitions asking for this right.
Besides her activism, Margaretta was a teacher. In the 1840s, she taught at a school run by Sarah Mapps Douglass. Later, in 1850, she opened her very own school.
Later Life and Passing
Margaretta Forten never married. After her father passed away, she moved back to her childhood home in Philadelphia. She lived there until she died at the age of 68 on January 14, 1875. She was buried in the Saint James the Less Episcopal Churchyard Cemetery in Philadelphia.
See also
