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Black History Year

The Forten Sisters Used Their Riches And Resources To Fight For Black Liberation

Black History Year

PushBlack

History

4.62.2K Ratings

🗓️ 15 March 2023

⏱️ 3 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

They were born into wealth, but they didn’t hoard it for themselves! These badass sisters were committed to Black liberation, so they used their resources to show up for their community in a powerful way.






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2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at BlackHistoryYear.com — most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference. If this episode moved you, share it with your people! Thanks for supporting the work.




The production team for this podcast includes Cydney Smith, Len Webb, and Lilly Workneh. Our editors are Lance John and Avery Phillips from Gifted Sounds Network. Julian Walker serves as executive producer."

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Transcript

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0:00.0

They were born into wealth, but they didn't ward it for themselves.

0:05.0

These badass sisters were committed to black liberation, so they used their resources to show up for their community in a powerful way.

0:14.0

This is Two Minute Black History, what you didn't learn in school.

0:20.0

The Fortin sisters were born into a legacy of black communalism.

0:28.0

Their father, James Fortin, was a wealthy sailmaker in 1700s Philadelphia.

0:34.0

He was also a staunch abolitionist who petitioned against anti-black laws refusing to rake ships that participated in enslaving his people.

0:45.0

So how would his daughters carry on his legacy?

0:55.0

Harriet Fortin Purvis was knee deep in the movement.

0:59.0

She was a conductor on the Underground Railroad and she and her husband opened their home as a haven for enslaved people trying to make it to freedom.

1:09.0

Margretta Fortin was a dedicated abolitionist and suffragist.

1:15.0

She spent her life educating our children and even opened up her own school.

1:20.0

Margretta toured the country giving speeches and petitioning for women's rights.

1:27.0

Sarah Fortin Purvis was also an abolitionist who contributed to the movement through her writing and poetry.

1:36.0

Her words were widely published and she became the voice of the people.

1:42.0

The Fortin sisters founded the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society and funded many other liberation organizations.

1:51.0

Like the Fortins, we must see the importance of sharing our resources to build strong black communities, whether it's education, housing or art.

2:04.0

All of us have a role to play in the fight for our liberation.

2:10.0

In order to move towards the future, you've got to look to the past.

2:15.0

This has been Two Minute Black History, a podcast by Push Black.

2:21.0

Show your support by sharing this episode on your social media and join us in amplifying stories we all deserve to know.

2:34.0

You

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