Frederick Douglass: A True Hero

Courage and selflessness are words that describe heroes. Mundane people can be heroes when they have enough perseverance to do extraordinary tasks. They sacrifice their needs for others. Frederick Douglass was a brave, honorable and bold abolitionist, his heroism was impactful and it changed the mindset of many people.

“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer,” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). A hero is just like an ordinary person, but they make a choice to rescue someone, and put their life on the line. For instance, a hero is valiant when they need to be, sacrifices themself for another, and they don't put another in harm’s way.

Panic struck the people of New York City. Black, billowing smoke began to rise. The beloved Twin Towers had been destroyed. During the chaos and madness that occurred on the day of 9-11-01, some people acted and did all they could to help those around them, even though they knew obstacles stood in the way. Those people are true heros. Heroism is acting in times of need when obstacles may stand in the way, being willing to sacrifice everything, and not letting setbacks keep from achieving goals and being an inspiration to others.

Frederick Douglass, social reformer of an African American descent, was an orator, writer, statesman, abolitionist movement leader. He was born in 1818 in Talbot County in the United States in the area of Maryland. He gained prominence because of his extraordinary oratory skills. His antislavery writings were appreciated across America, particularly when he pointed out that the slaves lacked the basic intellectual rights to perform as the independent American citizens. Northern citizens of America, even had the hardest time to believe that such a good orator was once the victim of slavery tradition in the American continent (Frederick, 2009). He had a strong believer in relation to equality of people, be it of any class, color, sect or religion and dedicated his entire life for this cause. He had once said that he would unite with anybody to do the right thing and said that he would not unite with anybody to the wrong thing.

When speaking of how African Americans evolved from being slaves to becoming free, one must not fail to mention the life and accomplishments of Frederick Douglass. The actions taken by Frederick Douglas and others that pave the way were perceived as huge achievements then and now. Negros, as they were called in the 17th and 18th century where considered nothing more than slaves. Being a slave did not grant human rights to anything at any time or any place. But Frederick Douglass had different plans other than only being a slave. Overcoming slavery would become a life long journey with the thoughts of becoming a free man the only possible option.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. He moved around many plantations. He was not raised by his parents and he received no education. From the start, Douglass’ life was destined for him to live and die a slave and have no meaningful impact on society. Despite these horrific conditions, Frederick Douglass became one of the most influential leaders of the abolitionist movement. This was largely because of his commitment to self education, his reliance on nonviolence and his use of the written and spoken word to gain widespread support from both the black and white communities to end slavery in America.

The life of the abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was a runaway slave and also was a leader to a lot of slaves. After he had escaped he wanted to promoted freedom to all the slaves. So he had published a newspaper call the “The North Star’’. The reason why they called it that was because when the slaves would run away the leave at night. So there run towards the north star. This just the beginning of his story you haven’t heard nothing yet.

Frederick Douglass became a vital figure for the African American freedom struggle during the 1860’s with the help of the abolitionist movement. Before becoming a famous spokesman Douglass was just like every other African American slave, attempting to find a way to freedom. Douglass’ runaway slave status quickly changed when abolitionist bought his freedom in hopes to strengthen the abolitionist movement. Since abolitionists were able to recognize Douglass’ intellectual abilities it made him a key aspect towards the success in the abolitionist movement, African American community, and the Civil War.

Today, I began my day like usual, working on the plantation. I was born a slave. All I knew was my grandma since my parents had to work long hard days and the plantation owners did not want families to be together. We were both black and she, too, never knew her parents. One day she took me to meet some other kids who lived on the plantation and when I turned around she was gone. I never saw her again and I had been working on this plantation since then.

By definition the word abolition means,” The act of abolishing... the state of being abolished... the legal prohibition and ending of slavery, especially of slavery of blacks in the U.S.(Definition).” When Frederick Douglass wrote his personal narrative it had a profound effect on the abolitionist cause. People were astounded at how it opened their eyes to the horror of what slavery genuinely was. The book allowed people to recognize how slaves felt, and reminded them that they were intellectual beings who had thoughts and feelings. Many repeating themes throughout the novel changed the lives and beliefs of many northerners, especially regarding education, equality, and freedom for slaves and

Carl Anderson Professor Davis History 310 14 May, 2017 History Final Essay The meaning of the word “freedom” in the 19th century did not technically mean what we think of the word today. During the 19th century was the time of slavery. When we think of slavery we usually think of whites being the free ones and blacks being under slavery with the whites owning them.

Frederick Douglass served as a slave on farms on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Baltimore throughout his youth. In Baltimore, especially, Douglas enjoyed relatively more freedom than slaves usually did in the South. In the city, Douglass first learned how to read and began making contacts with educated free blacks.He was hard working man he wanted to get freedom.He had a journey from slavery to freedom.He struggled to get a education and to free himself and get freedom.He had good skill he was a smart man because he managed to learn how to read and overcome slavery.

When he talks about life in Baltimore, Douglass mention the well-off situation him compared to his previous master but that this kind of kind situation also don’t prevent him from acquiring knowledge (p.91). He also mentions that well feeding and clothing in Baltimore cannot taking his liberty from him (p.102). Douglass told about his master’s wife Ms. Sophia, she was a full of kindness and eager to teach him Alphabet until her Mr. Auld told her to stop. According to Douglass, Ms. Sophia was kind and spontaneous in her nature and she was the only first person that treated Douglass as a human being (p.96) but it took several years to turn this natural sweetness to fretful bitterness. Is this bitterness being because Douglass curiosity for learning

What makes a person a hero? Maybe it’s their unwilling need to save the world and bring those who are deemed evil and unjust to justice, or just their ability to make a change in the world for the greater good. The greater good is defined as benefiting individuals to a high degree. An example of greater good would be eliminating all and any signs of discrimination. Without discrimination, people of color would get along very well and not be hateful towards one another, they would be at peace. There would be no more protests regarding that blacks should be equally treated, limited rights to people of color in the world, and any traces of the brutality of colored people throughout the world. Be as it will, an individual may have a different opinion

“So there you go heroes are everyday, common people. Most of what they do goes unheralded, unappreciated. And that, ironically, is heroism, not to be recognized.” Although A hero is someone who goes out there way to help someone. Even if it's a little thing like helping a old lady cross the street. A hero goes out his or her way to do the right thing. A hero is someone who does something not for attention or money just because there kindness. A True hero is being courageous, fearless and not giving up.