J.M. NORTHUP

One of the foremost intellects of the 19th century

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery to a mix-raced mother of Native American and Black heritage. Rumors claimed his white master was his father, but that remains unknown. Raised in beastly conditions, this incredible human being was cruelly segregated from his mother at an early age only to have her pass away in his youth. Thankfully, Frederick found a way to not only escape his horrific childhood, but he grew to becomes a greatly respected member of American society.

As a diplomat in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, he was the first African-American to hold a high U.S. government rank and to be nominated for vice president.  Frederick was an advocate for free black men to serve in the Civil War and had a complicated relationship with Abraham Lincoln. He was even invited to speak, giving the eulogy at the President’s funeral.

Clearly, this barely touches on the legacy of this amazing person, but I think History.com best explains exactly why Frederick Douglass is a writer to remember: “An advocate for women’s rights, and specifically the right of women to vote, Douglass’ legacy as an author and leader lives on. His work served as an inspiration to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and beyond.” This holds true, especially when you add what UNCF.org says: “Douglass will forever be remembered for his passionate work to ensure that America lived up to the ideals upon which it was founded, and guaranteed freedom and equality for all its people.”

Frederick Douglass created several abolitionist newspapers, including The North Star. The motto of this paper was: “Right is of no Sex – Truth is of no Color – God is the Father of us all, and we are all brethren.”

Biography.com – Frederick Douglass