About the Episode
Episode 88 features two incredible Black Americans – friends who were born in the 18th Century. James Forten (1766-1842) was a Revolutionary War Veteran who owned one of America’s most successful sail-making companies. He was also influential abolitionist and early Civil Rights leader.
His friend Francis “Frank” Johnson (1792-1844) was equally influential as a musician. When he published his original piece of music “Bingham’s Cotillion” he became the first published Black musician in American History. The European and American tours his band made also made history.
Hear recent recordings of his music on the Museum of the American Revolution’s website.
Educators, here’s link to some more resources and activity/discussion prompts we put together for this episode!
Anand
This is awesome