The Contributions Of Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass was an human rights leader in the anti-slavery movement and the first African-American citizen to hold a high U.S. government rank. Not only did he have a huge impact on our country, but he also wrote an inspirational quote for the world. He said, “Without a struggle, there can be no progress”(Douglass). This quote can help us have a positive mindset.

The glimmering light in darkness, the key to the shackles of oppression, all of which integrate into the hope: Frederick Douglass. America was not free. Not free even after what was known as the war for independence, the war for freedom, the revolutionary war. As racial maltreatment ran rampant along with social injustice, the United States slowly grew to be a misnomer. Slavery, above all, cast its umbra upon productivity, and set a twisted precedent leading to the patriarchy. For some, this was seen as affliction, but for others, this was opportunity to mend America. The following chapters of its history identifies largely with social and moral liberation. The United States did not become understanding and compliant with societal equality in an instant, as it took strain, sweat, and blood to simply obtain a basic right: freedom. Through Frederick Douglass’s unique slave background, he developed a vision for the future, a vision which propelled Douglass on his quest that would earn him the title, “Father of the Civil Rights Movement” and depolarize equality.

One of the most well-known slavery narratives was lived and written by Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was a civil rights activist who was born into slavery on a plantation in eastern Maryland in February 1818. His exact birth date is unknown, he states in his narrative, “I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it.”2 His birth name was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, which was given by his mother Harriet Bailey, who died when he was about 10 years old. At a young age, Douglass was picked to live in the home of a plantation owner Captain Anthony, whom some believe may have been his father. In his narrative that was published in 1845, sixteen years before the Civil War began, Douglass describes his life as a slave and his aspiration to become a free man. He describes the painful struggle to break free from the physical and mental bondage of slavery. Frederick Douglass resisted slavery by withstanding along with defying his owners. He prepared himself for life as a free man by self-improving himself through the use of education. Douglass’s experience reveals about the difficulties enslaved people would face, when and if they were granted their freedom, was that if they were not educated they were not totally “free.”

Frederick Douglass should be considered a Maryland State Author despite the deplorable societal conditions that constrained lives of African-Americans. Frederick Douglass managed to rise above them, and ascended from the society’s lowest conditions of slavery and racism, to become an important, and a strong proponent of change in the ancient American society. Because of his enthusiasm to work towards achieving change for himself and for society, he has received tribute of admiration from various races and classes of people. Some of the reasons why Frederick Douglass is admired not only by African-Americans, but also the American society at large are that, he achieved his elevation from a despised African-America slave into a figure of reference through his native energy, that was guided by wisdom and prudence. This research papers seeks to establish an argument that Frederick Douglass should be considered a Maryland State Author. The paper will establish that Frederick Douglass was born in Maryland and he used his impeccable skills as a journalist, an orator, and a writer to fight for the rights of African-Americans, including abolition of slavery and eradication of racial discrimination. He used his skills to fight for his fellow Americans; in Maryland and in American at large.

Douglass was a brave man who escaped from slavery. When he arrived in the free state of New York he began to take interest in speaking about the freedom and liberty that everyone should have. “[...] never felt happier than when an anti-slavery meeting. I seldom had much to say at the meetings, because what I wanted to say was said so much better by others. But, while attending an anti-slavery convention [...] I felt strongly moved to speak [...]

it and terrible things that happened to him, plus many other accomplishments, (A Short Bio of

As being as slave at one point and time, and escaping to live and tell the story. Frederick Douglass was and still could be a huge influence on today’s younger society in everyday life. In chapter 10, Douglass goes on to say “I’m coming to a fixed determination to run away, we did more that Patrick Henry, when he resolved upon liberty or death.” (555) I feel as if Douglass is provided a great example for all types of people. I take it as he is giving off the idea that whatever one has enough determination to do, they can do. Just like him.

“Frederick Douglass was one of the most important and influential African American leaders of the nineteenth century.”(Smith 1) Douglass remains one of the most recognized abolitionists in history today. He stopped at nothing, including sacrificing his own safety, for the good of the people. Douglass’ persuasive and informative work impacted slaves, slave owners, and abolitionists. Frederick Douglass’ accomplishments of escaping slavery and becoming a renowned black abolitionist has significantly impacted American life.

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.

The Narrative of Frederick Douglass is one of the most fascinating books I ever read. I read his narrative with great interest because I admire his resolve to overcome obstacles and oppositions. Douglass refused to allow color or race to act as a barrier. Douglass refused to let it impede in the quest for the American dream. His was one of greatest leaders in the abolitionist movement, a statesman, orator, and writer. He championed for human rights and social injustice. He prepared the way for Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama. Douglass articulated three key principles that were instrumental in his success. First, the power of spoken and written language has power to promote positive change. Second, you have

Frederick Douglass, a world-renowned abolitionist and orator, was born into enslavement in the deep south, but by the time of his death he was a free man and wrote this autobiography sharing his many life experiences. The narrative is the first of three, written by the self-taught author. It illustrates the hardships that he, as an American slave, encountered throughout his life, and confirms his reasoning behind his decision to not only join, but to lead the abolitionist movement that made such an impact in the nineteenth century. He was committed to convincing those who participated in the enslavement of the African people of how immoral the enslavement in the South truly was. Throughout the autobiography, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick

     Frederick Douglass was a man who was active until the day he died. Frederick Attended Anti-Slavery meetings and also attended meetings for Women?s rights. He believed everyone was equal it didn't matter if one was white, black, or green it also didn't matter what sex you were he believed everybody was equal. He achieved many things during his hard but great life.

One reason Douglass 's story remains to prosper is that his life symbolizes the American dream of overcoming difficulties and reaching greatness. At a young age he

The American dream is closely tied with individualism, where there is emphasis on personal achievements as well as individual rights. In American society, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and the freedom to express such opinions. With this right, each individual is expected to push himself towards success on the basis of his/her own personal efforts. The American dream is also based on the belief that anyone who has enough talent, will, drive, and merit can overcome insurmountable obstacles to achieve whatever they set their minds to. However, not everyone can achieve success as it is based on an individual’s abilities, initiative, and willingness to take risks. Frederick Douglass demonstrates this trait of individualism throughout his life, with his willingness to take risks, and to overcome obstacles placed in his way, so as to acquire whatever he sought. This trait is what sets him apart from other slaves, and is best illustrated through his efforts to learn how to read and write. Though his master forbade him to learn and took away his only teacher, Frederick was able to overcome this obstacle and find other teachers, by befriending young white boys who knew how to read and write. Frederick’s individualism seems to have been a result

The American Dream rejoices with the stories that begin with humble beginnings and end with prosperity and success; the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a story of upward social success and increased affluence and freedom. Douglass narrates his own life and tells of his failures, thoughts, and accomplishments over the span of his life. He began his life at the bottom of society as a slave. Through hard work, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and the ability to maintain and fight for his beliefs, Frederick Douglass attained the goal of the American Dream and eventually became a free man. Douglass’s transition from uneducated slave to free citizen was slow, and began when he would pay children in his neighborhood with bread to learn how to read. As a child Douglass recognized the value of education and would sacrifice so much to be able to learn to read, in part to spite his slave owners. With this foundation, he knew he could become accomplished. He used his self-taught education to encourage other slaves to learn and become literate. This foundation and bank of knowledge allowed Douglass to escape from slavery and become a free man. The early scenes in Douglass’s life prove to influence and encourage his success throughout his lifetime, which, in turn, provides further support of the value of the American Dream.