Frederick Douglass was an African-American man who fought for the rights of his people and for his own. After escaping from slavery, he became the leader of the abolitionist movement. He was a slave his whole life and he wanted something different for his people. He taught himself how to read and at that period of time, only white people knew how to read. Black people were treated like animals or even worse. Frederick was a firm believer in the equality of all people, whether black, female, Native American, or recent immigrant. Douglass famously said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” He was able to give advice to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
Douglass wrote several autobiographies. He eloquently described his experiences as a slave in his 1845 autobiography The life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. On February 20, 1895, Douglass attended a meeting of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. During that meeting, he was brought to the platform and received a standing ovation. Shortly after he returned home, Frederick Douglass died of a massive heart attack or stroke.
I, personally, admire Frederick Douglass. He was a man who fought until the end of his life for freedom. It takes a lot to step up against abuse and Frederick was willing to do whatever it takes to have respect from others. He was determined to stop slavery and racism. Back in the early days of the United States, only white people had rights. We had to make real social change in order to come closer to the ideal of “We The People” that was set forth in the US Constitution. Frederick knew that he deserved the same rights as any other citizen. Skin color does not determinate who your value or citizenship. Everybody deserves to be respected and loved by others. Frederick was brave man. He is one of my heros. He is an American hero.
http://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass
Who is Frederick Douglass to you?