Research Paper on:
Impact of Frederick Douglass

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who committed themselves to the abolition of slavery were called abolitionists, and they lectured, wrote and did everything they could to publicize the cruelty of slavery and to encourage the  demise of the institution. But of all the people, it was a former black slave, Frederick Douglass, who likely had the most impact on eventually removing the institution of slavery  and securing certain freedoms for the 19th century black population. Although "true" freedom for blacks didnt happen until almost a century later during the 1960s, Douglass was definitely among the  first black men to fight for freedom. Defined by writer Robert Fleming as "Americas first charismatic black leader in a time when  it wasnt fashionable for a man of color to raise his voice in public" (Fleming), Douglass beginnings held no foreshadowing of the famous and influential man he was to become.  Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Bailey in Talbot County, Maryland, the son of a black slave Harriet Bailey and an unknown white father, on or around 1817 (Frederick Douglass; see  also Fleming). He was, however, raised by his grandmother, Betsey Bailey, while Harriet worked the cornfields on the plantation during the day (Thomas). At age 6, Douglass was incorporated into  the slave system of the plantation (Thomas). He did, however, have an engaging charm, which helped him become companion of Daniel Lloyd, the youngest son of the plantation owner, and  he found a protector in Lucretia Auld, daughter of the plantation owner (Thomas). Lucretia eventually sent Douglass to her brother-in-law, Hugh Auld, in Baltimore (Thomas). While Douglass was with the  Auld household, he learned the alphabet from Hugh Aulds wife, Sophia (Thomas). Although she later turned against him and refused to teach him any more letters because of her husbands