The life and legacy of Frederick Douglas 

Frederick Douglass was born on February 14, 1818, in Maryland to Harriet Bailey on a slave plantation. Although from humble beginnings he would become one of the most influential activists during the Civil rights era.

He was separated from his mother at a very young age and met her occasionally in secret. When Douglass was about six years old, he was sent to live with Sophia Auld in Baltimore, along with her husband, Hugh Auld. Sophia treated Douglass kindly and taught him the alphabet, allowing him to learn basic reading skills. However, Hugh Auld disapproved of this, arguing that education would make Douglass unfit to be a slave. Despite this opposition, Douglass was determined to educate himself. 

He escaped on September 3, 1838, after months of planning. With the help of Anna Murray, a free woman from Baltimore who later became his wife, he obtained the necessary papers to pass as a free man. On the day of his escape, he disguised himself as a sailor, carrying documents that identified him as free. He later traveled to New York by train, where he met anti-slavery activists who offered their assistance. Notably, although his mother had named him Frederick Augustus, upon settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he adopted the name Douglass to avoid being captured. 

   “Frederick Douglass was a helpful person during the time of slavery”, DBHS Freshman Yassly Escobar said. “When the slaves did not have an education.”

Douglass became a significant figure due to his powerful speeches, literature, and role in shaping public opinion against slavery. His firsthand accounts of slavery made him a crucial voice in the fight to end it. During the Civil War, he supported the Union and encouraged President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Even after the war, he continued to advocate for racial equality. 

“Frederick Douglass believed that freedom was an inherited right for all people”, DBHS Freshman Kiara Walton said. “Frederick Douglass is an important figure because he supported the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th amendments.”

Frederick Douglass received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including medals, books, and college prizes. The college prize was awarded for the best undergraduate research paper in black studies. The book prize recognized his work analyzing slavery, resistance, and abolition. Additionally, he received a medal from the University of Rochester for African and African-American studies.

Written by Oflande Desprez | Graphic Designed by Oflande Desprez 

Published February 3, 2025 | ePathfinder | Feature