African-American Contributions to American Culture

Throughout America's growth and expansion, people, among other factors, have played a key role in contributing to American culture. Just by living their day-to-day lives, people have been a part of America's history. Some people, however, have lived lives that have had a greater impact on this history. One of these people is Frederick Douglass. Through his abolitionist movements, Frederick Douglass has made a very important contribution to American culture.

Born February 14, 1818, Frederick Bailey (later known as Frederick Douglass) was given the same slave lifestyle as any other African-American during those times. However, through a series of events and owners, Frederick was able to teach himself to read and write, which he later used to help himself escape from slavery. As if his life hadn't been incredible already, Frederick's influential actions were just starting. Once he reached the free states of the North, he decided to help his fellow slaves by becoming an abolitionist. He joined multiple organizations and attended abolitionist meetings regularly. He once heard William Lloyd Garrison speak and became inspired. A few days later, he delivered his first speech about the hardships he endured as a slave. He continued to deliver speeches throughout his life.

Douglass also published a number of newspapers including North Star, Frederick Douglass Weekly, and Frederick Douglass's Paper. "Douglass's goals were to "abolish slavery in all its forms and aspects, promote the moral and intellectual improvement of the COLORED PEOPLE, and hasten the day of freedom to the Three Million of our enslaved fellow countrymen." (Americas Library) In addition to these papers, Frederick went on to publish a number of books. One of these books, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave was probably what he is most famous for. In his recollections he lists names and dates, which helped to convince people of the harsh truth of the cruelty of slavery. Through this autobiography, Frederick was able to single handedly open the eyes of thousands of Americans, as well as people in countries abroad. Never before had a slave done such a thing.

In addition to combating slavery, Frederick also advocated women's rights. He participated in the Seneca Falls convention, the birthplace of the American feminist movement, and signed its Declaration of Sentiments. Frederick felt that unlike freeing