Douglass, Frederick
1818-1895 · Contribution: 1845-1895
Autobiography, oratory, and abolitionist journalism; wrote three autobiographies — most famously 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave' (1845), plus 'My Bondage and My Freedom' (1855) and 'Life and Times of Frederick Douglass' (1881) — and founded/edited the abolitionist newspaper 'The North Star'
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Impact on the world
His 'Narrative' became an international best-seller and one of the most influential slave narratives ever written; the foremost Black orator, writer, and intellectual of the 19th century and a towering voice of the abolitionist movement.
Life & background
African-American writer, abolitionist, orator, and statesman born into slavery (as Frederick Bailey) in Maryland c.1818; escaped in 1838. Advised presidents and held federal posts (U.S. Marshal for D.C.; minister to Haiti). Died Feb 20, 1895.
Sources
- Encyclopædia Britannica; Library of Congress
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