He is what freedom looks like. He became the most photographed personality of his era. Not only was he a man, someone who physically fought for his freedom, but also he became “the” major abolitionist, orator, publisher, and writer who was internationally recognized. Eventually, he also became a significant government official and advisor. Throughout the 19th century, no other individual has accomplishments equal to what Douglass did.

His three autobiographies are critically significant. And literally give lie to the notion that enslaved Blacks were incapable of learning to read and write: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave (published in 1845); My Bondage and My Freedom, (1855);  The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (1881, revised in 1892).

Professor John Stauffer offers a fascinating lecture on Douglass. This factual account is truly amazing.

“What To The Slave Is The Fourth of July?” is Douglass’ most known speech. Here is a recitation of excerpts of that speech by Douglass descendants.

In the American context, Frederick Douglass is an avatar of the abolitionist movement, and is one of our most revered African American ancestors. For people of African descent, at its best as an abolitionist holiday, Independence Day is a celebration of escaping and eventually helping to destroy slavery.