A Legacy of Freedom and Humanity
Every February, the U.S. dedicates an entire month to honoring African American culture by celebrating Black History month. It is important to acknowledge the diverse cultures and heritages that have contributed to the American story. A prominent and very influential American was Fredrick Douglass. He was a man whose intelligence and resilience left a lasting legacy for over a hundred years. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist leader who was born into slavery sometime around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising US presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule.
As was often the case with slaves, the exact year and date of Douglass' birth are unknown, though later in life he chose to celebrate it on February 14. Douglass initially lived with his maternal grandmother, Betty Bailey. At a young age, he was selected to live in the home of his plantation owners, one of whom may have been his father.
He was eventually made to work for Edward Covey, who had a reputation as a "slave-breaker.” Covey’s constant abuse nearly psychologically broke the 16-year-old Douglass. Eventually, however, Douglass fought back and won a physical struggle against Covey.
After losing a physical confrontation with Douglass, Covey never beat him again. Eventually, Douglass began to plan his escape from Covey’s enslavement around the age of 18; he tried to escape from slavery twice before he finally succeeded.
Douglass married Anna Murray who was a free woman when he was about 20 years old, on Sept. 15, 1838. Douglass had fallen in love with Murray, who assisted him in his final attempt to escape slavery in Baltimore. They had five children together.
Douglass made history many times especially when he became the first African American nominated for vice president of the United States as Victoria Woodhull's running mate on the Equal Rights Party ticket in 1872.
Nominated without his knowledge or consent, Douglass never campaigned. Nonetheless, his nomination marked the first time that an African American appeared on a presidential ballot.
Fredrick Douglass led a life that made way for those to achieve success after him. He later founded newspapers and published many different articles that supported the growth and spearheaded the achievements of the African American community in the U.S. He was a vital force in the achievement of a free African American society. It was through his leadership and example that helped push African American’s towards a brighter future.
Jacob Sanchez is a freshman studying general studies.