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Seneca Falls Convention
In 1848, Frederick Douglass, the only African American attendee, spoke in New York in advocation of women’s rights to vote in America. He believed that denying women the right to vote or participate within the government was unjust and degrading to them. This event was powerful because his speech influenced and encouraged the attendees to continue their fight for equality and was later published in a paper in 1851. -
"What to a slave is the 4th of July?"
In 1852, Douglass delivered a speech on the racial injustice sweeping America. He addressed the 4th of July as a “sham” of a holiday, mocking it for the façade of liberty and equality for all; highlighting the oppression of slaves and the perpetuation of poverty. This powerful speech was re-delivered in 1886 in Washington, D.C., bravely addressing law and policymakers for their hypocrisy and disregard for human life. -
Meeting President Lincoln
Douglass became an advocate for Black soldiers to join the Union Army, recruiting for the Massachusetts 54th, an all-Black infantry. Douglass met with President Lincoln in 1863 to discuss equality of wages and treatment for the soldiers. In 1864, Douglas returned to the white house to discuss life in America if the Union lost. Douglass’ thought process was to liberate the Black and African American citizens so that the men could aid his cause in fighting for women’s rights and gender equality. -
Marries a White woman
After the passing of Frederick’s wife Anna in 1882, he married his white secretary, Helen, making for a controversial, biracial household. Throughout the end of his life, he worked closely with Helen to battle racial, social, and equality injustices. Marrying a woman that isn’t of color was very brave for the time and opened a new world for Douglass to speak to. He is now known as one of the most outspoken advocates for women’s rights in the 19th century.