In 1862 Charlotte Forten, free person of color and relentless advocate for social justice, was offered the chance of a lifetime, to travel to South Carolina to Saint Helena island to help recently freed slaves learn to read and write.
Her life changing and at times frightening experiences in the midst of the tumultuous Civil War, including, exposure to disease, the hatred of Southern whites and meager living conditions were tempered by her love and respect for her students. She wrote of her experiences in her famous historical diary (Forten, 1854-1892) where she states that, “The long, dark night of the past, with all its sorrows and its fears, was forgotten; and for the Future—the eyes of these freed children see no clouds in it. It is full of sunlight, they think, and they trust in it, perfectly.”
Advocate for Social Justice
Charlotte Forten, an educated and cultured free African-American woman, occupied a unique position in 19th century Philadelphia society. Born on August 17, 1837, she came from a prominent Black family who unlike most African-Americans of their time enjoyed wealth and privilege (Hoffman, 1981).
Charlotte grew up surrounded by people who were constant advocates for social justice, as her family was immersed in the abolitionist movement. Charlotte developed an affinity for her fellow African Americans who were still enslaved and she longed to fight for their freedom in any useful way she could.
South Sea Islands an Enlightening Experience
In Charlotte's journal she writes of an opportunity that presented itself in 1862 when she learned that on St. Helena Island, South Carolina fleeing slaves, including 2000 black children desperately needed a teacher. Charlotte initially found the experience touching and yet frustrating at the same time. For example, she surprised and somewhat disappointed to learn that she had more in common with her fellow white teachers than to the African-Americans she wanted to bond with and the sheer number of students and classroom management problems initially overwhelmed her.
Nevertheless, she was impressed at how enthusiastic her students and their parents were about school as well as how quickly they learned. She states that, “what they have accomplished in one short year exceeds our utmost expectations. We cannot but feel that deliverance from darkness to dawn for this much enduring race is upon us.”
The Many Roles of a Teacher
Charlotte soon realized that her perception about the traditional role of a teacher would have to be adapted if she were to be successful. For example, after slavery the former slaves has little provisions for food or clothing and had to start growing their own food and making clothes. Their living conditions consisted of shanties with little protection from the weather and illness and disease were always a threat to students and teachers alike. But yet they were content and satisfied, rejoicing in their freedom and working together to share what meager resources they had. She recognized that understanding their circumstances and how it impacted their learning process was the key to educating their mind, body and spirits.
Instead of being deterring by these problems Charlotte and her counterparts found the experience revitalizing and absorbing. Charlotte describes how she became even more committed towards their progress after she saw how determined they were to improve their circumstances. She immediately started adjusting the curriculum to teach them about such African heroes as Toussaint L'ouverture, the Haitian liberator. In her diary she states that, “I told them about Toussaint, thinking it well they should know what one of their own color had done for his race. They listened attentively, and seemed to understand.”
Return to Philadelphia
The rustic living conditions eventually turned out to be too much for Charlotte’s delicate health that had been compromised by a childhood lung disorder and she reluctantly returned to Philadelphia after two years of teaching. She married a minister, Francis Grimke, and continued to work for the equality of African American people until her death in 1914.
Charlotte was profoundly affected by her incredible experiences among the people of South Helena Island and fondly spoke about it, “I shall dwell again among 'mine own people.'" I shall gather my scholars about me, and see smiles of greeting break over their dusky faces. My heart sings a song of thanksgiving, at the thought that even I am permitted to do something for a long-abused race, and aid in promoting a higher, holier, and happier life on the Sea Islands."
Today, Charlotte’s five beautifully written and intuitive dairies, written over a period of thirty-eight years from 1854 to 1892 are the only known record of the life and experiences of a Black female in the 19th century are a testament to a life of curiosity, dedication and advocacy.
References
Hoffman, Nancy. Woman's True Profession: Voices from the History of Teaching 1981
Charlotte Forten, The Journals of Charlotte Forten, ed. Ray Allen Billington, 1953.
Margaret Auguste - Margaret Auguste has worked for the past 15 years as a therapist, juvenile court advocate, software trainer and librarian. She currently ...
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