Frederick Douglass
(c.1818-1895)
WHO HE WAS:
Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Born into slavery in Maryland, he escaped in 1838 and rose to become a leading figure in the anti-slavery movement. Douglass's eloquence and incisive antislavery writings, including his autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” profoundly affected the American discourse on slavery and human rights.
WHAT HE SAID:
"Without a struggle, there can be no progress."
WHY HE MATTERED:
Douglass’s impact on American history is immense. He advised presidents, lectured to thousands on a range of causes, including women's rights and Irish home rule, and broke ground for African Americans in political positions. His life stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the fight for justice.