The Influence of Frederick Douglass

 Federick Douglass is one of the most prominent figures in American history, He was known for both his strong opinion on the abolishment of slavery and Civil Rights Advocacy. Douglass was born in Maryland in 1818 intothe institution of slavery where he suffered under harsh treatment and was seperated from his own blood family at a young age. 

In spite of laws forbidding ensalved people to read and write, Douglass secretley educated himself. Douglass than escaped slavery and escaped to the North in 1838. Which is where he bagan to become a leader for the Civil Rights and slavery abolishment movement. 

Douglass gained wide recognition throught the U.S. for his speeches and his 1845 autobiography called" Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" that went into depth about the brutality of slavery to a much larger audience. 

Douglass, who had experienced slavery made him a very credible voice against it. He also served as an advisor to presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, and encouraged Black men to join the Union Army during the Civil War. After the Civil War, Douglass continued to advocate for voting rights and fought for full equality for all during the Reconstruction era. 

Federick Douglass's most notable contributions to society are his publications, "The North Star". Founded in 1847 by him in Rochester, NY. 

It was named after the North Star, which guided enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom on the Underground Railroad. 

The motto of The North Star was "Right is of no sex, Truth is of no color, God is the Father of us all and all men are brother". 

This statement demonstrated his opinion that all people have universal human rights and are entitled to live as if they have them. 

The North Star was a string advocate for the abolition of slavery and gave a voice to free Black Americans who were not given oppertunities for their voices to be heard. 

Douglass condemmed discriminatory laws and advocated for black citizens right to education and politcal participation. The newspaper published international and national news, and it also published serious, influential journalism by Black Citizens.

In addition to its politcal significance, The North Star was also a gem because it provided evidence of formerly enslaved individuals controlling their own narritve. Douglass believed that controlling the press was essential to gaining freedom and equality. 

Through the Newspaper, he challenged racist stereotypes and demanded that the nation live up to its founding ideals of Liberty and Justice. 

 Federick Douglass died in 1895, but his influence continues to shape discussions about race, democracy and the power of the press.