AHC: A Black "Founding Father"

Catholics made up only 1.2% of America's population in 1776 (around 35,000), but there still was a Catholic founding father (Charles Carroll). In 1790, there were 757,208 African Americans in the United States or 19.27% of the population (considering that the percentage largely had a declining tendency, it seems fair to assume that at least 20% of the American population were Black in 1776). So it may not seem that far off to assume that an African American could become a Founding Father. But in 1790, 92% of African Americans lived in slavery and, under most slave codes, were unable to get educated (well legally) which was well looked for in a politician. Furthermore, many, if not most Americans, didn't have a "positive" view of slaves as most viewed them as slaves and second class citizens so you'd need to change the general opinion of Americans to get an African American founding father (or maybe, an African American founding father could change the general opinion of Americans). If there was an African-American founding father, I think there would be some major changes on the legal status of slavery which makes it even more unlikely because quarrels over slavery nearly delayed the ratification of the Constitution. Your best bet is probably Crispus Attucks if he survives the Boston Massacre and goes on to be an American Revolutionary. There would be major changes in the American views of Blacks.
 
Catholics made up only 1.2% of America's population in 1776 (around 35,000), but there still was a Catholic founding father (Charles Carroll). In 1790, there were 757,208 African Americans in the United States or 19.27% of the population (considering that the percentage largely had a declining tendency, it seems fair to assume that at least 20% of the American population were Black in 1776). So it may not seem that far off to assume that an African American could become a Founding Father. But in 1790, 92% of African Americans lived in slavery and, under most slave codes, were unable to get educated (well legally) which was well looked for in a politician. Furthermore, many, if not most Americans, didn't have a "positive" view of slaves as most viewed them as slaves and second class citizens so you'd need to change the general opinion of Americans to get an African American founding father (or maybe, an African American founding father could change the general opinion of Americans). If there was an African-American founding father, I think there would be some major changes on the legal status of slavery which makes it even more unlikely because quarrels over slavery nearly delayed the ratification of the Constitution. Your best bet is probably Crispus Attucks if he survives the Boston Massacre and goes on to be an American Revolutionary. There would be major changes in the American views of Blacks.

Just pointing out that your math means there were still nearly twice as many free blacks as Catholics. Granted, there were more Catholic landowners, but it's not like the free black population was tiny.
 
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