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James Forman Obituary
He died Monday night at a hospice in Washington, where he lived for several years. Forman's son, Chaka Esmond Fanon Forman, said his father had been fighting cancer since 1991 and was surrounded by friends and family members when he died.
"He went very peacefully - just stopped breathing," Forman said in an interview with The Associated Press.
A Chicago native who grew up in Mississippi, Forman was a principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and the Freedom Rides in which blacks rode across the South to make sure buses were integrated as ordered by the courts.
In 1961, he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was elected its executive secretary one week later.
Although both the student group and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference were fighting the same struggle, there was friendly competition. Often the students organized demonstrations and took positions that went beyond those advocated by King.
For example, when Mississippi tried to send an all-white delegation to the 1964 Democratic convention, Forman was far more outspoken than King about the compromise that allowed two at-large votes for black delegates. SNCC helped organize a protest in Atlantic City, N.J., where the convention was held that renominated President Johnson.
"They always thought King got all the publicity and they did most of the suffering, that they were the shock troops," said Taylor Branch, who has written two books on the civil rights movement. "There was tension and resentment and cooperation all at once."
But John Lewis, a congressman who was the coordinating committee's chairman when Forman was its executive secretary, said Forman's role was critical in convincing students they had a stake in the fight for equality and justice.
"He was the glue that held the young people together during the most abrupt time of the civil rights movement," said Lewis, D-Ga. "He was somewhat older than many of the young people who became part of the movement but was thoughtful, had great organizing skills and was a good manager."
Lewis credits Forman for persuading the group to purchase its own office building, printing press and research department that helped document the struggle. Rather than wait for King to arrive in a town and deliver a motivational speech, Forman tried to develop leadership among students, including the appointment of field secretaries to recruit young activists across the South.
"The chairman was kind of the public face and spokesperson while the executive secretary was always the guy running the organization behind the scenes, making things happen," Branch said. "To the people scattered down in Mississippi going to jail for tiny projects, he was the one who made sure somebody would get you out."
In 1969, Forman became one of the first major black leaders to demand slavery reparations. His "Black Manifesto," delivered at a church in New York, sought $500 million from white churches for America's role in the Atlantic slave trade.
He remained active in promoting the cause of blacks throughout his career, including traveling to Africa and Europe on behalf of the Black Panther Party, planning a new March on Washington in 1982 and lobbying against the appointment of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork and the presidential campaign of former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke.
Dorie Ladner, a longtime friend and neighbor for several years in Washington, said Forman left his mark on the civil rights movement.
"He was very intelligent, a learned man with zeal for justice and equality," Ladner said. "He was fearless."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
48 Entries
Gloria Guilamo
January 15, 2019
Thank you for everything. I will never forget you my dear special friend.
Keith Jefferson
March 6, 2013
A great person, I lived in the same building. When I first was introduced my grandmother was the property manager there. As time had passed Mr. Forman told me he had a book for me to read that he wrote. Until this day I still have it and empowered by him as a writer but definitely as a person.
Alicia
June 20, 2010
I have so much to learn.
How you can show support
Bonita
February 27, 2008
I had the distinct pleasure of coming home one evening, in 1971 and in my living room sitting on a bean bag chair was Mr. James Forman. Little did I know I was in the company of greatness. He spoke very softly as he and my husband chatted about sending some of the leaders of the "movement" from Detroit to our city "underground" in Gary, In. We were to house them and feed them. We of course were honored to be asked. As we talked into the night, I offered him some blackeyed peas and cornbread with Kool-aide. He was very gracious and complimented me on my efforts. I look back on that day and smile. I am now in my mid fifties and I still can hear his greatness from that day. I have been blessed.
Ella Rucker Baker
February 7, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Edra Williams
May 27, 2006
I met Brother Forman first in Atlanta,GA. He was the leader of the BWC and I was one of it's youngest members. I knew that I was in the presence of those who had made history. I was taught who James Forman was in Black History classes in the 8th grade. I was honored to meet with him in Detroit. I watched him handle adversity with grace and dignity. Even in the midst of his trials he had the compassion to mentor as he turned to me and encouraged me to continue and not be discouraged by the sinister infiltration of political movements.
His book the "Making of Black Revolutionaries" should be required reading for those who want to really know what was involved in the movement for change in this nations recent history. I thank the Creator of Heaven and earth that I was blessed to be a part of the great legacy and life of the incomparable James Forman. May his story be told for the whole world to know one day. "The Struggle Continues."
Nora Curioso
April 6, 2006
James, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I had dinner with Elaine Brown the other night, and she talked of him--not only did he have so much of the brains and organizational skills of the movement, but also the HUMOR, HUMANITY, SOUL.
Thinking of you, Nora Curioso
Derrick Jackson
February 17, 2005
Mr. Forman, thank you for taking the time to bring this great information together for the public to see. I admire your drive. Keep it up.
Mr. & Mrs. Antoine
February 8, 2005
Thanks for all you have done in making a better life for african-americans and others on earth.
Rest in Peace
Lawrence C. King
February 8, 2005
I know that we all must continue to to fight for equalrights for all poor people. That is what I have learned what Bro. Forman was about!!! May God bless James Jr. and Chaka. Lawrence King
Dorothy Curry
February 7, 2005
Mr Forman was a light on a very dark road in our history
I say thank you for caring, born and reared in rural Alabama within the blackbelt, while SCLC appeared to have a calming affect on our emotions, we could depend on sncc to allow us to throughly express our frustration as young people.
We wanted equality right now, and we were willing to lay down our lives, given our situation at that time, the status qo had to go.
Your spirit remains with us.
Dorothhy Thomas Curry
Gerald Phillips
January 23, 2005
It was a distinct pleasure and an honor for me to have attended and participated in the 40th Anniversary of SNCC at Raleigh, NC. The true honor was to meet Mr. Forman (and others) who were/are an integral denominator(s) in the liberties and freedoms that numerous minorities of today take for granted. Mr. Forman may have transitioned physically to the next phase; but his legacy will live forever.
D. Hamer-Castillo
January 19, 2005
I recall seeing James as a child in the 60s with my cousin Mildred in Chicago~ I think he used a cane back then~ I was only 6 or 7 years old at the time and didnt even know that i was also a relative of the late Fannie Lou Hamer, she was married to my dad's 1st cousin Perry Hamer~ Oneday i was reading a book in the 80s when i was coming of age into our past revolution when i realized i was reading a book about a man i had met as a child! It's a shame children of all colors arent aware of who our past Revolutionist were!
D. Hamer-Castillo
January 19, 2005
I recall seeing James as a child in the 60s with my cousin Mildred in Chicago~ I think he used a cane back then~ I was only 6 or 7 years old at the time and didnt even know that i was also a relative of the late Fannie Lou Hamer, she was married to my dad's 1st cousin Perry Hamer~ Oneday i was reading a book in the 80s when i was coming of age into our past revolution when i realized i was reading a book about a man i had met as a child! It's ashame children of all colors arent aware of who our past Revolutionist were!
Ru s
January 19, 2005
Thank you.
Mary Mcghee
January 16, 2005
I was a young adult during the movement of the 60's. I remember well the many things our race went thru. Thank God for strong will people to guide us.
ron parker
January 16, 2005
Hello comrade, We`ve never met but some how I know you. In solidarity, ron parker.
Carolyn Ellzey
January 16, 2005
To the Forman Family:
I was deeply saddened when I learned of the home going of our dear brother in the equality struggle,but I can truly say that James Forman's legacy will read:" MISSION ACCOMPLISHED". He was truly a viable force in my life.
Carolyn Gaines-Ellzey
San Jose,California
Joseph Dumas
January 16, 2005
01/14/05
Dear James and Chaka,
You have my condolences about your father.
My own father died 34 years ago, and daily, yet, I think of him…
The philosophers say the measure of a life well-lived is to have eased the lives of others. Mr. Forman, by all accounts, earned this sobriquet.
As a boy in Natchez, Mississippi, I was too young, then, to appreciate the import of Mr. Forman’s character; however, I knew he did big things. Grown-ups weaved his name into conversations; thus, it was my pleasure to have met him, alas, in New York City, as an adult. Today, in my consciousness, Mr. Forman and his peers in the American Civil Rights movement formed an arc whose moral compass was true North!
It is with irony, no, that on the eve of his transition from this life, that one of the alleged assassins of James Cheney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner has been charged, finally, 40 years later? What would your father say?
Another of the 1960’s murders touched our family in a personal way. In 1967, Wharlest Jackson, an employee of the Armstrong Tire & Rubber Co., in Natchez, had been promoted. His co-workers were rumored to be members of the Ku Klux Klan. They were not happy with Jackson’s efforts to provide for his family nor his political activities. One evening, following his shift, a bomb detonated in his truck. Vividly, I recall my parents’ shock, sadness, and rage. My father was Jackson’s doctor and had to identify his remains in the morgue. My mother accompanied my father, and today, 38 years later, the memory is painful for her to recollect.
Daddy was the only colored doctor in SW Mississippi for a very long time. At night, when he made house calls, we gathered in the kitchen to listen to him over the 2-way, citizens band radio telegraph his progress as he drove through the countryside. One can only imagine the shadows looming before your father in those isolated Mississippi towns…
As a reporter, I was in the courtroom in 1994 when Medgar Evers’ assassin was brought to justice 31 years later. Mississippi, my home, finally, had done the right thing. It was what your father was trying to get Mississippi to do: the right thing.
Sincerely,
Adisa Omar
January 16, 2005
I just learned about the loss of our dear brother, comrade and soldier of struggle. I have always felt a deep spiritual bond and connection to Brother James Forman. It started in the spring of 1969, I had just celebrated my 14th birthday living in the Bronx, NY. My social studies teacher at John Phillip Sousa, JHS wanted to take her special students on a class trip before the end of academic year. She was (white woman) a follower of Rev. Billy Grahman and wanted to take us to a Sunday service at the historic Riverside Church, NY. By some act of providence, I and four other classmates were sitting in the pews when Brother Forman and other activists entered dramatically into the church to deliver the historic "Black Manifesto" -- a call for black reparations.
No event, has ever had a more lasting affect on my life or imprinted itself into my consciousness than this special moment in 1969. Later, in 1973 I entered Cornell University and to my surprise I met Brother Forman once again one day while I was walking on campus and learned he was studying for a degree at the AS&RC at CU. After leaving Cornell I started working in Atlanta, GA and volunteering at the Institute of the Black World. To my shock, one day I again met Brother Forman who was staying in Atlanta at the time. The last time I connected with Brother James was in the 1980's and early 90's when I was living in Washington, DC.
Each time we met, he was always so kind and gentle to me. I always felt the deep LOVE and concern he had for our people and he even warned me about being careful in the struggle.
My only regret is that I was unable to say farewell in person to someone I have always considered a "father figure" in my life.
MAY GOD GRANT HIM COMFORT AND THE ANCESTORS WELCOME HIM HOME!
Adisa Maina Omar (Adisaji),
International Academy of Ikologiks and Advanced Studies, Inc.
K. Keegan
January 15, 2005
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Forman through my internship. He had a small office at least until last April in Downtown DC. He had me several times type and email other advocates to continue to move the civil rights movement forward. Being young, and very naive, I did not realize just how much farther we need to go to ensure equality for everyone. Mr. Forman opened my eyes to something I will never forget. The history and the stories he shared with me, have taught me as much as what I learned at my internship.
Thank you Mr. Forman and God Bless.
BLAINE WHITE
January 14, 2005
As a student, I spent 1968-1972 at Morgan State in Baltimore, MD., deeply embroiled in the quest for justice and peace for Black People. In spite of the fact that I never met Bro. Forman, he inspired me, vicariously, to be strong and resolute in the struggle. May God give his soul rest and peace; we are ALL better for his presence here on earth.
Frances Murphy
January 14, 2005
James Forman taught us that no matter how hard the struggle we had to keep fighting if we wanted our fair share of the pie. I will always remember him for the way he had of making us want to continue the struggle.
Ted Terry
January 14, 2005
Brother James' time on this earth has and always be reflected in our ability to carry on the struggle for truth and fairness. Just know that he was a drum major for all of us. He is forever brother James.
Dr. E. Faye Williams
January 14, 2005
All of us should be grateful for the work of Brother James Forman. Indeed, he is one of our cherished heroes.
KHALIMAH halim-wilson
January 14, 2005
May God continue to be a blessing and continue to lead, guide, and direct the entire family. We may not understand why, but always know that God never makes mistakes.
Remember, when the prayers go up, the blessings come down.
Colia Liddell Lafayette Clark
January 14, 2005
A great man, educator, leader and activist whose work will still inspire fresh young minds to engage in those areas that need changing no matter how hard are tough they may seem. I remeber Chicago, where I first met Jim working on the Gospel For Freedom Concert with Paul Brooks, his wife Mildred and others. I came with a group of young SNCC workers from Mississippi to help with this event. I was asked to receive the SNCC James Meredith Freedom Award at the November 22, 1962 Gospel for Freedom Affair at McCormick Place. I am almost sure this was the only time the SNCC James Meredith Freedom Award was offered by the organization. With much pride I recall Jim spent each day introducing me to the networking process as we trekked over the city meeting church, labor, business and community organization leaders in an effort to galvanize support and funds for the SNCC. When we met opposition, he would explain, "It doesn't matter what they say, you just got to keep on pushing until you get their support.Just keep in mind that not everybody is going to support our work." The Gospel For Freedom fell flat on its face. Jim took it in stride. " We made about $52 he said, but what a lesson we have learned. Remember that your failures are one way of correcting mistakes for the future." Jim talked my first husband, Bernard Lafayette, Jr. and I into accepting the work of building the SNCC Black Belt Alabama Voter Education Project at selma when Dr. King and other civil rights leaders and organizations turned it down. He was recovering from a serious bout with a stomach ailment and used that as a part of his stick to get us to accept. Who could turn down Jim when he decided you were his pick to complete a task. He knew the perils of Alabama but was convinced that a project could successfully be launched there. He sent us newly weds of two months off to face whatever Alabama had to offer but did not leave us to dispair. He soon came down to speak at our first mass meeting that June and stayed on to assist with project development. He was always supportive of his field staff including trying to find ways of sending small sums of money to keep us feed. When Dr. King died, Jim and I were both in New York. He was living there with his second wife and child. He called on me to join him in his efforts to make sure "this man's life don't just get wasted like that..."
I watched as he charmed his way into the hearts and minds of local New Yorkers knowing that he was on the edge of saying hell and good bye to nonviolence as a weapon against the evil we faced. He never faltered, just kept pushing for a tougher position against an American system of racism and oppression. What I liked most about this man was his clear analysis of the issues of American life. He walked among us a gaint building roads for future generations. Good bye Jim as you march out on that long mile to the great Milky White Way, go knowing that at last I know how to broil a steak. Get pushing the journey ain't long.
With Contiuning Respect and Admiration,
Colia L. Liddell Lafayette Clark
Mikal Muhammad
January 14, 2005
One cannot change the feeling of loneliness of those left behind who lose someone through death. True love endures through life and death and those drawn to each other by bond of love will be brought together again and again in other lives.
The full realization of what has happened takes a while to penetrate into all levels of our being; the awareness comes gradually, often considerably later then the event.It would be too great a shock were this not so.
Certainly there shines through the deepest sorrow an unspeakable beauty when we begin to feel the true nature of what is accruing, realizing that inwardly there is no separation and that the one who has gone on is totally at rest.
Shirley Howerton Barrow
January 14, 2005
I pray the Foreman family and friends will find peace in knowing that God makes no mistakes. Your loved one has not only gotten his crown but has earned a great place in the real history of "our" nation.
Michael Klonsky
January 13, 2005
Jim,a great warrior for freedom, visionary and strategist of the movement and dear friend. Rest in Peace.
Edmund Osborne
January 13, 2005
I didn't known what a great man you where until someone told me,you were the brain's of the civil rights movement.
Robert Watkins
January 13, 2005
God Bless the family.
Josie Buckley-moore
January 13, 2005
You will be missed God bless And
keep all your loved one
Helene Schmidt
January 13, 2005
Thank you for all that you did.
You will be missed.
Eleanor Ross
January 13, 2005
Your work in the struggle lives on the freedom that we all enjoy today. Thank you for passing this way and giving as you did. God Bless your family for sharing you with the world.
January 13, 2005
To touch the lives of so many, is no small feat. You will be missed.
January 13, 2005
Lloyd
Kenny Thompson
January 12, 2005
God bless the forman family,thanks for all that you have done to enrich the lives of others.
Lola Jefferson
January 12, 2005
Jim Forman helped change the course of history and touched many lives. I thank God for his courage and
strong convictions. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family. He is gone but not forgotten.
Barbara Burke
January 12, 2005
You were a part of the history I shared, and the history of those years of struggle are now being passed on to my grandchildren. Rest in Peace
Rose Jennings
January 12, 2005
God speed, rest in peace, a job well done. I treasure my SNCC memories, though rough, we all stood proud. Rose Jennings
Ricky Muhammad
January 12, 2005
To the Forman family: May God bless and keep brother James Forman's soul as he has now made his transition to our forparents. I ask that Allah will wipe away all tears from his family eyes. Brother James is in Heaven now with all of our dear departed brothers and sisters. "May the work I've done speak for me". Done in respect, Brother, Ricky Muhammad, BS, F.D.
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