Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland. He taught himself to read in secret, knowing it was his way out, and in 1838 escaped north disguised as a sailor. Within a few years he was one of the most powerful speakers of his age, telling his own story in a bestselling book that put him at risk of recapture. He spoke against slavery on both sides of the Atlantic, including tours of Britain and Ireland, and fought for equal rights until his death.
Frederick Douglass
Anti-Slavery Speaker & Writer
EXTRA-ORDINARY TRAIT
COURAGE
JFDI PILLAR
D — DRIVE
COUNTRY & REGION
USA (Americas)
LIFESPAN
1818 – 1895
GENDER
Man
EDITION
No.006
✦ DEFINING MOMENT
On stage in Rochester, 1852, delivering "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?
✦ ARCHIVAL DOSSIER
The Story
✦ VERIFIED QUOTE
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
✦ DID YOU KNOW?
He was the most photographed American of the 19th century, using portraits to show Black dignity.
✦ YOUR TURN
What struggle are you in right now that's actually progress?
COLLECTIBLE EDITIONS
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