Frederick Douglass' Rough Path To Achieve Justice For All African Americans

In the 1800s our government structure was still being established. At that time, there was an issue with the socioeconomic status of minorities. The battle to end slavery goes all the way back to the 1700s. During the formation of our country, leaders such as Alexander Hamilton fought to end this issue. Ultimately failing, a new man of the next century becomes one of the most influential figures in the abolishment movement. Frederick Douglas. An activist, orator, and writer; and catalyst for the change made in our government.

Frederick Douglas was born into slavery in the year 1818. Growing up he learned to read and write from his slave owner’s wife. At a young age he escapes and immediately begins his path to becoming the leader we recognize today. Douglass starts speaking out about the injustice of slavery. He had incredible oratory skills that were impressive and quickly got him noticed. His experience with slavery made him credible, and relatable to those who have suffered discrimination.

A founder of the weekly journal The Liberator wrote about Douglass, which is certainly what put him on the map. Soon thereafter he gave a speech at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society’s annual convention in Nantucket. By 1843, he became part of the American Anti- Slavery Society. While he experienced many hardships, he also had many blessings. This resulted in a 6 month tour across the United States that gave him the opportunity to speak to thousands. Douglass had strength and definitely a way with words. He had a natural ability to provide powerful rhetoric in his speeches that sparked a reaction from the audience, both positive and negative. He did received a lot of backlash for his speeches.

During his speech people would throw rocks and yell hateful words. But that didn’t stop him. He inspired all people that suffered racial or sexist injustice and strived to provide equal opportunity between all men. Douglass may not have been a member of congress, or passed laws. But his influence set the path for those in power to make necessary changes.

He not only was a powerful speaker, but writer as well. On December 3rd 1847 The North Star commenced publication. It was a nineteenth-century anti-slavery newspaper written by Fredrick Douglass. This allowed those who have suffered be able to redress these issues. This meant having African American authors, editors, orators having their own paper to share their voice. Fredrick also wrote a memoir that was thoroughly influential towards the abolishment movement as well. It is one of the most favorite written by a former slave captures the hardships he went through. This memoir was phenomenally written and incredibly inspiring to those to get a glimpse into the life of a chained man. His writing ability opened up more avenues and opportunities to reach people. This allowed for people everyone to hear his voice, to read his words, and to understand his importance to history.

Being such a powerful orator, Douglass gave a keynote address on July 5th 1852 at an Independence Day celebration. His speech posed the question, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. While the fourth of July is a celebratory day of independence, Douglass expressed that African Americans had not the same freedom as whites so therefore he cannot celebrate. He brought into question the constitutional values that American’s prided it’s citizens of. The promise of liberty and freedom were not subjected towards those of color, but rather enslavement and cruel treatment. His speech left a legacy and was reread for years to come. This led to the abolishment of slavery in the year 1865.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is largely known for his emancipation proclamation speech that freed slaves. Although Douglass and Lincoln held different positions in power, both fought towards the same cause. When Douglass made the journey to meet with the president, unplanned, it was unsure of how Lincoln may respond. Although there were numerous people waiting in hopes of meeting with the president, he was immediately received.

Douglass’s urgency to meet with the president was to discuss the importance of providing equal wages and protection for colored soldiers. The president was appalled with the murderous actions taking place within his troops, however did not comply with the request of equal pay. Douglass and Lincoln had contrasting methods for supporting the abolishment movement, however the two had a common goal of equality between all citizens.

Douglass not only fought for the rights of African American, but woman as well. He used the platform he created for himself to speak out about woman’s suffrage. At the first woman’s rights convention in Seneca Falls Douglass was asked to speak. He was one of the few men in attendance, and felt that him speaking was not necessary. In his speech he reminds the audience that the women of this convention, and all women in this country should be allowed equal opportunity.

Not just the opportunity to speak and truly be heard, but the chance to live in this country just. In those times, men held almost all of the power. Douglass supporting a community he was not a part of, and doing so with the upmost respect shows his strength in character. Those following his journey, are not only opened to his experience, but to an understanding of his true intentions for the world. Equality of all people.

Fredrick Douglas has dedicated his life to achieving justice for all Americans, especially women and African-Americans. Looking back in our history we know that Douglas had an immense part to play in the way our government and society is shaped today. Being a lecturer and writer meant his words traveled throughout the country. Fredrick Douglas has, and always will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in African American history.