Great Black Fleet

[Old Sailore]

The vessels were purchased, one being a older Interlake ship.
Heard they never sailed one day. Someone made off with some money?

[BigB]

From the May/June 1972 Telescope magazine's news section:
"Feb. 11 ...Cleveland's first black law firm has announced it is forming the first black-owned shipping company on the Great Lakes. Operations are to begin this spring (1972). The company, Marine Transit, Inc., has commitments to purchase two bulk carriers and is negotiating for several self-unloaders. Chairman of the Board is George Forbes and the senior-vice-president is Clarence Gaines/"

[Russ]

I think this is what you were asking about. In the late 1950's or early 1960's, a group of black (i.e., african americans) investors in Cleveland were discussing the purchase of old freighters on the Great Lakes to form their own shipping company. I believe the concept never got past the discussion phase. If Al Hart reads this, he might be able to supply additional details.

[Old Sailor]

Don't think this is the info I was looking for. I think a person known around the shipping circles that may of associated with the fleet by the name Pat Manly.(sp?) Though he was not African American.

[Guest]

Good Morning, don't know if this is what you are referring to, but in the 60's/70's there was a Canadian investor, Conrad Black, who tried to gain control on the Hanna Mining Co. which included the boats. Management strongly opposed this and encourage the employees not to sell the shares they had to this individual's group. He never gained control of Hanna. Mike

[Old Sailor]

Anyone old enough to remember the story on the development of a fleet of used vessels in the 1960's called the Great Black Fleet or just Black Fleet? Don't know if any boats ever sailed under that fleet but I think some people must have made some money.