He was a slave on a plantation as a boy. While he was there the plantation owners wife helped him learn to read and he taught others to read. His ability to read gave him knowledge about the mistreatment of slaves. He tried to escape from slavery twice before he was successful as disguising himself as a sailor. He settled in Massachusetts with his wife.
Frederick Douglas was a captivating speaker. His personal experience with slavery made his speeches more passionate. He was successful and began speaking against slavery in the free states. He even traveled to Britain and Ireland to speak of the cruelties of slavery.
Frederick Douglas published his first book called A Narrative of Life of Frederick Douglas an American Slave. He later started a his own anti-slavery newspaper the North Star.
Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were friends. During the civil war, Frederick Douglas called for African American troops to join in the fight but did not like they were not paid equally. He met with Abraham Lincoln to speak of the unequal pay. He was the first African American to meet a president. They continue to remain friends. Frederick continued throughout his life writing in his paper, speaking and held office.
Listen
Listen
Listen