Frederick Douglass : An African American Activist, Writer, And Political Leader

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” This famous quote is from a speech given by one of America’s most influential abolitionist speakers, Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, this great American leader led a life many of us would find impossible to bear. After gaining his freedom from slavery, Douglass shared his stories through impressive speeches and vivid autobiographies, which helped America move forward as a country liberated from racial inequality. Although Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave allows readers to understand what life was like for slaves in antebellum America, the most important and relevant lesson to take away from this narrative today is the importance of perseverance. Douglass’s courage to resist and learn paired with his determination to keep his faith and ultimately find himself, is something to which people from every culture and time period can relate.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” - Frederick Douglass. In his lifetime, Frederick Douglass faced more struggles than most can imagine. He was born a slave in 1818 on a harsh plantation in Tuckahoe, Maryland. His mother was a slave and his father was believed to be an overseer on the plantation. He was prohibited from gaining an education, which only caused his desire to learn to grow stronger. His thirst for knowledge was only quenched through vigorous study and teaching against the strict orders of his owners. He taught others to read and write, all the while studying the works of the abolitionist movement, and in 1838, he escaped the plantation and became a free man, fleeing to New York. He soon met William Lloyd Garrison, a popular abolitionist, and supporter of the women’s rights

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.

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.

Frederick Douglass was an African American slave in the 1840’s who shared his struggles in his narrative in order to show how he succeeded and achieved his goals that were seemingly impossible for a slave. Douglass was one of the few slaves who safely escaped, and was given the opportunity to speak publicly about his experiences. This was a way for him to truly share his horrific experiences he endured as a slave, but to also share his daily struggle of cruelty because of his race. By sharing his story, Douglass has shaped the lives of future generations of African Americans and shown what it means to rise above it and make something of himself, and to never give up.

Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey (also known as the famous Frederick Douglass) was an intelligent African American slave in the 1800’s. Even though slavery was quite common during this time, Frederick stood out like a diamond in a pile of rocks. Unlike other slaves, he taught himself how to read and write on his free time, despite the fact that he could be severely punished. Most slaves thought this harsh labor was inhumane and cruel, yet did nothing about it. However Douglass took it as a life lesson and used it to fight for his freedom. After being held as a slave, Frederick’s world turned upside down. Slavery led him to become an passionate abolitionist, successful writer and an independent human being. Frederick

Born as Fredrick Augustus Washing Bailey in February 1818, Fredrick Douglas was a very prominent American abolitionist, author and orator. Born as a slave, Douglass escaped at age 20 and went on to become a world-renowned anti-slavery activist. Vivid, daring, and complex, Douglass became a symbol of his age and a unique voice for humanism and social justice. His life and thoughts will always speak deeply to the meaning of being black in America, as well as the human calling to resist cruelty. Douglass died in 1895 after years of trying to preserve a black abolitionist’s meaning and memory of the great events he had witnessed and helped shape.

Frederick Douglass was a former slave who worked and powered to be free coming across many hurdles. Despite his rough beginnings, Douglass became a well written author who later wrote three autobiographies and a multitude of speeches that later aided in the abolition of slavery. He went on to become one of the most profound black American leaders of the 18th century, he helped shape and lead the way for the anti-slavery movement.

Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey was born in February, 21, 1817. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey later changed his name to Frederick Douglass while he was fighting for civil rights. Frederick Douglass was mainly lived in Washington DC, his mother being an African American slave and his father being a white slave owner. Frederick Douglass is commonly noted for his involvement in the abolishment of slavery during the 1800s.

Born a slave in Washington Frederick Douglass was originally named Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He was a mixed young man he was mixed with african american, white and indian ancestry. Being a slave he really didn’t know to much about his family. Really the only thing

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.

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.

Douglass' cousin told him the city was beautiful and Douglass knew it couldn't be any worse than the plantation. When Douglass meets his new owners, he described Hugh Auld's wife, Sophia Auld, as having a kindly face. Douglass learned what might have been one of his biggest lessons as a slave from these overseers. Sophia, the wife of Hugh Auld, had never owned a slave before, therefore she treated him almost as if he were a child of hers. She taught him the alphabet and some other minor words before Hugh took notice of what she was doing. Mr. Auld told his wife "…it is unlawful, as well as unsafe, to teach a slave to read." (Douglass, p.78) Hugh goes on to say "A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master… 'if you teach that nigger how to read, there would be no keeping him. It would forever make him unfit to be a slave.'" (Douglass, p.78) Douglass overheard every word that hissed out of Hugh Auld's mouth. Sophia Auld had been lessoned in the ways of slave managing now. She discontinued her teaching to Frederick and began to treat him as the property they considered him to be. Douglass' mind frame changed completely after hearing Auld's words. He realized that education was the key in order to obtain his freedom, "…to wit, the white man's power to enslave the black man." (Douglass, p.78) Douglass continued to pursue his education on his own. He would trade

Frederick Douglass is well known for many of his literary achievements. He is best known, now, as a writer. "As a writer, Frederick Douglass shined. As a speaker, he was the best. There was no abolitionist, black or white, that was more for his speaking skills." (McFeely, 206)