Frederick douglas

Frederick Douglass (1818-95) was a prominent American abolitionist, author and orator. Born a slave, Douglass escaped at age 20 and went on to become a world-renowned anti-slavery activist. His three autobiographies are considered important works of the slave narrative tradition as well as classics of American autobiography. Douglass’ work as a reformer ranged from his...

“We shall look over the world, and survey the history of any other oppressed and enslaved people in vain, to find one which has made more progress within the same length as the colored people of the United States. These, and many other considerations which I might name, give brightness and fervor to my hopes that that better day for [...]

1822- Denmark Vesey organizes 1000s of African-Americans in secretly crafting about 250 pike heads & over 300 daggers. He plans to burn Charleston & initiate a general rebellion against oppression, but the plan is betrayed & Vesey and 34 others are hanged. The trial record is destroyed for fear that it will inspire others to follow his example.

Do you know who the most photographed American of the 19th century was? It's not George Custer (155 photos) or Walt Whitman or Abraham Lincoln (130 each).

TIME colorized some of the most iconic images of the Civil War

“There are times in the experience of almost every community… when… the appointed leaders… exert their powers of mind to complicate, mystify, entangle and obscure the simple…

The famed African-American reformer and writer, born 200 years ago this month, demands as much attention today as he did in his lifetime

Mathew B. Brady | Frederick Douglass | The Met

Every state has produced powerful political figures, from presidents to senators.