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From Slavery to the Presidency

Matthew Ward

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Published in The Rise Of The Jim Crow Era (African American Experience: From Slavery To The Presidency)

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Frederick Douglass, A Former Slave Who Became A Leading Abolitionist, Orator, Writer, And Statesman The Rise Of The Jim Crow Era (African American Experience: From Slavery To The Presidency)

The Rise of the Jim Crow Era (African American Experience: From Slavery to the Presidency)

5 out of 5

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Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818. He escaped to freedom in 1845 and went on to become one of the most prominent abolitionists and civil rights leaders of his time.

Douglass was a gifted orator and writer. He spoke out against slavery and racism with passion and eloquence. He also wrote three autobiographies, which are considered classics of American literature.

In addition to his work as an abolitionist, Douglass was also a political activist. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1872 and was appointed U.S. Minister to Haiti by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1889.

Douglass died in 1895, but his legacy continues to inspire us today. He was a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and his story is a reminder that anything is possible if we have the courage to dream big.

Early Life

Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey on February 14, 1818, in Tuckahoe, Maryland. His mother, Harriet Bailey, was a slave, and his father was a white man whose identity is unknown. Douglass never knew his father, and he was separated from his mother at a young age.

Douglass was raised by his grandmother, Betty Bailey, who was also a slave. Betty Bailey taught Douglass to read and write, which was illegal for slaves at the time. Douglass also learned about the abolitionist movement from Betty Bailey and other slaves.

In 1838, Douglass was hired out to a slave owner named Edward Covey. Covey was a cruel master, and he beat Douglass frequently. Douglass eventually resisted Covey's beatings, and he escaped to freedom in 1845.

Abolitionist and Civil Rights Leader

After escaping from slavery, Douglass became an abolitionist. He spoke out against slavery and racism with passion and eloquence. He also wrote three autobiographies, which are considered classics of American literature.

Douglass was a leading figure in the abolitionist movement. He spoke at abolitionist rallies, and he wrote articles for abolitionist newspapers. He also helped to organize the Underground Railroad, which helped slaves escape to freedom.

After the Civil War, Douglass continued to fight for civil rights. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1872, and he was appointed U.S. Minister to Haiti by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1889.

Legacy

Frederick Douglass was a remarkable man who made a significant contribution to American history. He was a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and his story is an inspiration to us all.

Douglass's legacy is carried on by the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a non-profit organization that promotes education and social justice. The organization offers a variety of programs, including scholarships for college students, after-school programs for children, and leadership training for adults.

We can all learn from Frederick Douglass's example. He was a man who never gave up on his dreams, even when faced with adversity. He was a man who believed in the power of education and the importance of fighting for what is right. He was a man who made a difference in the world.

The Rise of the Jim Crow Era (African American Experience: From Slavery to the Presidency)

5 out of 5