February 9 - Robert Purvis (1810-1898) & Harriet Forten-Purvis (1810-1875)

Today we honor Robert Purvis, a Black man who lost his voting rights in the early 1800’s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On March 14, 1838, Purvis submitted a petition to fight for his and 40,000 other Black Philadelphians' voting rights in response to a new state constitutional amendment that restricted suffrage to only White men.

Today we also honor Harriet Forten-Purvis, Robert's wife. Harriet was one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society; lectured on civil rights; became one of the lead organizers of the fifth annual National Woman’s Rights Convention; and, publicly advocated for voting rights for African Americans and women.

Harriet's parents, sisters, daughter, and grandchildren were also active in fighting for civil rights and the vote, as well as nieces of the Purvis and Forten families.

On February 9th, we honored both Robert Purvis, and his wife, Harriet Forten-Purvis. See their individual sections below to find out why!Today we honor Robert Purvis, a Black man who lost his voting rights in the early 1800’s in Philadelphia, Pennsy…
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Caitlyn CobbPurvis, Forten, Sojourner Truth, Robert Purvis, Petition, Harriet Purvis, Forten Family, Purvis Family, Harriet Forten-Purvis, The Forten Sisters, Fortens, Forten Sisters, Voting Rights, #VRABlackHistory, Women's Suffrage Movement, Black women in the women's suffrage movement, BlackHistoryMonth, Black History Month 20201 Comment