Robert I. Fortes

Robert L. Fortes (May 26, 1942 – September 15, 1979) was an American community leader and politician. He was born and raised in Connecticut and moved to Boston in 1965, where he became a leader in the city's black community. He served two terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and was associate executive director of the United South End Settlements.

Early life Fortes was born on May 26, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and Southern Connecticut State University. In 1977 he was elected chairman of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus. He chose to challenge incumbent Bill Owens in the Massachusetts Senate's 2nd Suffolk district, but later withdrew from the race.