It was 200 years ago this month, in 1818, that Frederick Douglass was born a slave on a Maryland plantation.
This occasion makes me think back 10 years ago when we read his autobiography in American Literature class in high school. Reading his own words brought alive vividly the misery he endured as a slave, and sheds so much light on how he became such an ardent abolitionist, because he drew from his own experiences.
One insight I encountered was that by learning to read, he experienced a strong measure of freedom. That eventually led to his escape from slavery, and entering into a new way of life. As a librarian professional, the power of reading is something that resonates with me.
Certainly his love for reading is reflected in the large collection of his books, which visitors can see on a tour of his home at Cedar Hill in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which I had the chance to visit back in May 2017. Touring his home brought the person of Frederick Douglass alive for me, adding to what I learned about him from reading his autobiography. I could see that he underwent an incredible journey from slave to a prominent citizen later in life, advocating for the enhanced treatment of all people. I learned from the tour guide at Cedar Hill that he would walk several miles to the White House to meet with the US President regularly. Later, he served as US ambassador to Haiti.
We have in Frederick Douglass a great example of an American who upholds the highest ideals of this nation. May his example continue to inspire us in the fight against the evils and injustices of our present-day society, and work to uphold the ideals of our country and make them realized for all.
No comments:
Post a Comment