The fight for racial equity has existed in the U.S. and Philadelphia since their inception. Before the protests and calls to defund the police of today, there were the abolitionists — including James Forten (1766-1842).

What inspiration from the 18th- and 19th-century businessman’s life can we pull for today’s struggles? For one, that entrepreneurial success doesn’t mean abdicating a role in advocating for the greater good.

Here’s why Technical.ly is considering Forten now: Way back in February, we launched an editorial series connecting innovators of Philly’s past to modern institutions echoing their legacy. We talked to REC Philly’s Will Toms about John Coltrane; to PhillyCAM’s Gretjen Clausing about Margaretta Forten and Lucretia Mott; to University of Pennsylvania professor Cherie Kagan about the ENIAC Six; and to a crew from the University City Science Center about Buckminster Fuller.

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