William Lloyd Garrison
(1805-1879)
WHO HE WAS:
William Lloyd Garrison was a preeminent American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer. He is best known for founding the anti-slavery newspaper, *The Liberator*, and for his unwavering insistence on the immediate emancipation of all enslaved peoples. His vocal advocacy and incisive writings galvanized the abolitionist movement and provoked national debate on slavery.
WHAT HE SAID:
"I am in earnest — I will not equivocate — I will not excuse — I will not retreat a single inch — AND I WILL BE HEARD."
WHY HE MATTERED:
Garrison's significance lies in his radical approach to abolitionism. His commitment to nonviolence, women's suffrage, and civil rights spearheaded a new era of progressive thought in America. He sought not just to reform, but to revolutionize society's attitudes toward race and equality. His efforts helped to pave the way for the eventual abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment.