Frederick Douglass was born on a plantation in Maryland. Because his mother was a slave, he was a slave, too, and his life was very difficult. When he was a young boy, his master’s wife taught him the alphabet. Soon, Frederick secretly taught himself to read and write.

When he was 20, Frederick gained his freedom by escaping to New York. Then, for the rest of his life, he fought against slavery and against other forms of injustice. He even gave advice to President Abraham Lincoln.

It took great courage for Frederick Douglass to seek freedom for himself and for others. No wonder he’s still admired as an American hero.

Fun Fact: At birth, Frederick Douglass was named Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He changed his last name from Baily to Douglass after he escaped from Maryland to New York.

Fun Fact: Frederick Douglass was an exceptional public speaker. He made many speeches against slavery, and he also spoke in favor of voting rights for all Americans. (At the time, women couldn’t vote and neither could people of color.)

Fun Fact: One of the reasons that his speeches were so powerful was because Frederick Douglass had actually been a slave, so he could give a firsthand account of what it was like to live in slavery. Because he was speaking about his own experiences, his stories had a great impact on his audiences.

Fun Fact: Frederick Douglass was also an excellent writer. His first book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, is still considered a classic.

Fun Fact: Frederick Douglass didn’t know the exact day he was born, so he decided to celebrate his birthday on February 14th. That’s one of the reasons Americans celebrate Black History Month in February.

Quotes About Freedom

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door to freedom.”
George Washington Carver

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
Bob Dylan

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela

“We must be free, not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”
William Faulkner

“I’d like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted other people to be also free.”
Rosa Parks