Whaler, activist, and highly successful entrepreneur Captain Paul Cuffe spent his life committed to crafting his vision of an American society free from reliance on slavery. At age 14, Cuffe went on his first whaling voyage, expanding his world beyond the farm he grew up on. His journeys led to a career in commerce, leaving behind a life in agriculture and spending the years of the American Revolution on various ships. These expeditions made Cuffe one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time, yet he remained acutely aware of the rarity of his success in his community.
While Cuffe prospered in the upper echelon of society, becoming incredibly close with many of the most prominent Quakers, his goals extended beyond the traditional definitions of success at the time. Above all, he wanted to uplift other African Americans, and his status allowed him to do so. In the late 1770s, he petitioned the Massachusetts General Court with his brother John, demanding that he not need to pay taxes without a right to vote. Initially denied, his efforts inspired Massachusetts to extend the right to vote to all property owners, including African Americans.
Cuffe was determined to do what he thought was best for his community. As his children grew older, he advocated for a public school to be built in Westport, Massachusetts. Despite his high regard, he faced backlash from white neighbors who were uncomfortable with the thought of an integrated school. Cuffe ultimately used his money to build the school and hired a teacher on his property, opening the private space for public use. It was one of, if not the first, integrated schools in America. Cuffe was never set on actively defying those with prejudice against him. Instead, the whaler continually led by example that society could function just as well without the racism and prejudice that were commonplace.
With so much experience at sea, Cuffe developed a dream to transport African Americans and freed enslaved people to Africa to form their independent colony. His dream, to some extent, came true. He established the Friendly Society of Sierra Leone, a Black cooperative focused on cultivating and selling African goods removed from exploitation by colonists. This cooperative transported 38 African Americans to Sierra Leone in 1815, marking the first willing return to Africa by African Americans.
Many white Americans supported Cuffe’s vision, unfortunately, with ulterior motives. They viewed the return of African Americans to Africa as a removal of free slaves from American society, diminishing the threat of revolt against slavery. As these efforts popularized among the white population, Cuffe lost support for his movement, and it almost entirely faded after his death. Despite this, he inspired others like Henry Highland Garnet, Martin R. Delany, and Marcus Mosiah Garvey in later organizing efforts. He was a powerful visionary for the potential of African Americans to prosper in a society stacked against them.
For more information on Captain Paul Cuffe and his many endeavors, check out the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s immersive exhibit, which includes artifacts, personal connections, and interactive experiences to bring his story to life.
