preview

Frederick Douglass : African American Freedom Struggle

Decent Essays

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. Before becoming a great leader for the African American freedom struggle, Douglass went through plenty of his own struggles while searching for freedom for example, after getting to the free states he attempts to find work but quickly “finds that racism will rear it’s ugly head and there are white laborers who will not work alongside of a blacks ship cocker” (Frederick Douglass-From Slave to Abolitionists 14:50). This motivates Douglass to become politically aware of what is going on around him. He invested a lot of time into educating himself on what was occurring in the United States before he addressed the public in regards to African Americans right to freedom leading him to the abolitionist movement. The abolitionist movement gave Douglass the opportunity to speak and become something of himself. As “the public have itching ears to hear a colored man speak and

Get Access