8 Black Boaters to Follow in Honor of Black History Month

Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions African Americans have made across various fields, including the maritime world. For centuries, Black individuals have shaped boating, sailing, and watersports, overcoming systemic barriers to leave an indelible mark on history and contemporary culture. From the Age of Sail to modern-day watersports, their stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership inspire us all. This article celebrates eight Black boaters—past and present—whose achievements deserve recognition not just during Black History Month, but year-round. These individuals exemplify excellence in maritime professions, competitive fishing, surfing, and advocacy, showcasing the diversity and talent within the Black boating community.

The Historical Legacy of Black Boaters

Sailing and maritime work have long provided opportunities for Black Americans, particularly during times when equitable professions were scarce. In the United States, until the 20th century, approximately one in five sailors was Black—a significant proportion given the racial inequalities of the era. These sailors worked as whalers, sailmakers, captains, and war heroes, often earning wages and respect comparable to their white counterparts. The maritime world, though grueling and perilous, offered a rare avenue for advancement and autonomy.

The Chesapeake Bay, for instance, has a rich history of Black watermen dating back to the arrival of indentured servants in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. These “Black Jacks” were instrumental in navigation, trade, and oyster harvesting, especially after the Civil War when the Bay became the nation’s primary oyster supplier. Oystering, one of the highest-paying jobs for Black men at the time, underscored their economic and cultural contributions. Today, this legacy continues through modern watermen and recreational boaters who keep the tradition alive.

Historical Figures Who Shaped Maritime History

1. James Forten: Sailmaker, Inventor, and Abolitionist

James Forten’s journey began in Philadelphia, where he apprenticed as a sailmaker under his father. At 14, he joined the Revolutionary War effort aboard the privateer Royal Lewis, witnessing firsthand the sails he crafted in action. On his second voyage, British forces captured his ship, intending to enslave him in the West Indies. Forten’s intelligence impressed the British captain, who offered him an education in England. A fierce patriot, Forten refused, enduring seven months on a prison ship before his release at 16.

After the war, Forten honed his craft in England’s shipyards along the River Thames, returning to Philadelphia to work under Robert Bridges, a white sailmaker who championed his talent. When Bridges retired, he loaned Forten the funds to buy the loft, which Forten repaid in three years, becoming its owner. Forten revolutionized sailmaking with innovations like a sail hoist that enhanced safety and efficiency, catering to the heavy frigates of the post-war trading boom. His success made him one of the wealthiest Americans of his time.

Beyond his professional achievements, Forten was a tireless abolitionist. He invested over half his $100,000 fortune—equivalent to roughly $3 million today—in freeing enslaved people, funding a newspaper, and supporting a school. His home served as an Underground Railroad stop, and his family co-founded the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, the first integrated women’s abolitionist group. Despite facing racial violence and the loss of voting rights for Black men in 1838, Forten’s legacy endures as a testament to resilience and activism.

2. Absalom Boston: Whaling Captain and Community Leader

Absalom Boston, a Nantucket native, entered the whaling industry—a brutal yet equitable trade for Black New Englanders. By 20, he had saved enough to buy land and open an inn, briefly retiring from the sea. Seventeen years later, he returned as captain of The Industry, leading the first all-Black crew on a U.S.-flagged whaler. His voyage produced 70 barrels of oil and returned with every crew member alive—a rare feat in an industry notorious for its dangers.

Boston’s family had a history of breaking barriers. His uncle, Prince Boston, won his freedom and wages in a landmark court case, becoming the first African American emancipated via jury trial. Absalom built on this legacy, advocating for Nantucket’s Black community. He established an African Meeting House and the African Baptist Society, and when an all-white high school denied his daughter entry, he fought and won, leading to the integration of Nantucket’s schools over a century before Brown v. Board of Education. Boston’s leadership and wealth cemented his status as a revered figure.

3. William Tillman: Civil War Hero

William Tillman, born in Milford, Delaware, became a Civil War hero through sheer courage. At 27, he served as a steward on the schooner S.J. Waring when Confederate privateers seized it three days into a voyage from New York to Buenos Aires. The privateers planned to enslave Tillman in Charleston, but he overheard their scheme and vowed to resist. With a friend, William Stedding, he retook the ship in an eight-minute struggle, killing three privateers and sparing the rest.

Upon returning to New York, Tillman was hailed as a hero. The New York Tribune credited him with the Union’s “first vindication of its honor on the sea,” and luminaries like Frederick Douglass praised his bravery. Tillman’s actions highlight the critical role Black sailors played during the Civil War, where nearly 18,000 served in the integrated U.S. Navy.

Modern Black Boaters Making Waves

The legacy of historical figures like Forten, Boston, and Tillman lives on in today’s Black boaters, who continue to excel and innovate. Here are five contemporary individuals whose work in boating, fishing, and watersports merits attention.

4. Emmanuel Williams: Fishing Enthusiast and Influencer

Emmanuel Williams, a 21-year-old Sea-Doo Ambassador, grew up fishing with his father in Florida, fostering a deep connection to the water. After high school, he purchased a Sea-Doo Spark to pursue bigger catches, sharing his adventures on Instagram. His account offers an authentic glimpse into the fisherman’s lifestyle, inspiring a new generation of anglers. Follow him at @emmanuelwilliamsfishing.

5. Khristian “Khris” Rousseve: Bass Fishing Trailblazer

Khris Rousseve’s passion for bass fishing began with his father’s lessons on large reels. Self-taught and determined, he partnered with a competitive angler and made history as the first African American student-athlete in Louisiana to earn a bass fishing scholarship. In 2021, he secured a starting spot on his team, breaking barriers in a predominantly white sport. Follow his journey at @khrisrouseve.

6. Captain Nashawn Taylor: Charter Innovator

Captain Nashawn Taylor, a Master Captain with the U.S. Coast Guard, stands out as a Black woman in a male-dominated industry. She founded Be You! Charters in the Washington, D.C., metro area, offering unique paint-and-sail excursions—the only such service in the region. Taylor’s leadership and creativity are redefining boating experiences. Follow her at @beyoucharters on Instagram and Facebook.

7. Rhonda Harper: Surfing Advocate

Rhonda Harper gained prominence organizing paddle-outs worldwide to honor George Floyd and address racial inequality. As the founder of Black Girls Surf in Los Angeles, she trains Black female surfers to go professional, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusion. Her activism and mentorship are transforming the sport. Follow her at @blackgirlssurf.

8. Brian Latimer: Pro Angler and Media Star

Brian Latimer, known as B-Lat, hails from Belton, South Carolina, and has risen to fame as a tournament-winning bass fisherman and YouTube personality. His 2019 victory at the MLF/Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit’s Lake Seminole event marked a career highlight. B-Lat also hosts Straight Up Fishing on Waypoint TV, sharing his expertise with a broad audience. Follow him at @brianlatimerfishing on Instagram and Facebook.

Table: Comparing Historical and Modern Black Boaters

The Broader Impact of Black Boaters

The contributions of Black boaters extend beyond individual achievements, influencing culture, economy, and social progress. Historically, figures like Forten and Boston leveraged their maritime success to fund education and civil rights, while Tillman’s heroism bolstered the Union’s morale. Today, modern boaters like Taylor and Harper use their platforms to promote diversity and challenge norms, ensuring the maritime world reflects a broader spectrum of voices.

The decline of Black watermen in regions like the Chesapeake Bay—where numbers dropped from 100 to a handful on Kent Island since 1970—highlights the need for continued support. Environmental changes, urban migration, and access to education have shifted opportunities, but individuals like Captain Tyrone Meredith and Marcus Wooley adapt by diversifying their roles, from oystering to maritime consulting and boat rentals.

Organizations like the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation amplify these efforts, promoting inclusion and preserving history. The RYA’s Inclusive Language Guide and Together Fund grants encourage diverse participation, while Vince Leggett’s work ensures the legacy of Black watermen endures.

Why Follow These Boaters?

Following these eight Black boaters—whether through social media or historical study—offers more than inspiration. It’s a chance to engage with living history and support those shaping the future of boating. Their stories reveal the grit required to succeed in a challenging field and the creativity to redefine it. From Forten’s sail innovations to Latimer’s tournament wins, each demonstrates excellence worth celebrating.

Black History Month provides a focal point, but their impact transcends February. By following Emmanuel Williams’ fishing tips, cheering for Khris Rousseve’s next competition, or booking a charter with Nashawn Taylor, you’re part of a movement that honors the past and builds a more inclusive maritime present.

Conclusion

The maritime world owes much to Black boaters, whose contributions span centuries and disciplines. James Forten, Absalom Boston, and William Tillman laid a foundation of skill and courage, while Emmanuel Williams, Khris Rousseve, Nashawn Taylor, Rhonda Harper, and Brian Latimer carry it forward with innovation and passion. Together, they represent a legacy of overcoming adversity and excelling in the face of it.

As you explore their stories—whether through Instagram follows, historical texts, or a day on the water—remember that Black history is maritime history, and maritime history is American history. These eight individuals are not just boaters to follow; they’re pioneers to honor, today and always.

Happy Boating!

Share 8 Black Boaters to Follow in Honor of Black History Month with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Read How to Select the Perfect Boat Wrap for Your Boat until we meet in the next article.