Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist and social reformer who fought for the rights of African Americans. He was born into slavery in Maryland, but escaped to freedom in 1838.
Douglass became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, and his autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” was a bestseller. In 1845, Douglass began publishing “The North Star,” an antislavery newspaper.
Douglass also advocated for women’s rights, and was a friend and mentor to Susan B. Anthony. In his later years, Douglass served as U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and Minister to Haiti.
Douglass died of a heart attack in 1895 at age 77 after having lived through many tumultuous times in American history, including slavery and Civil War. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world who are fighting for justice today—and his legacy continues to live on through countless children who have been taught about him in schools across America!
