Frederick DouglasFrederick Douglass (c.1818-1895) was an American abolitionist, writer, and statesman whose life and work played a central role in the movement to end slavery in the United States. Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass escaped to freedom and became ne of the most influential advocates for abolition and civil rights in the nineteenth century. Through his speeches, autobiographies, and numerous essays and articles, he helped shape national debates about freedom, equality, and citizenship. Read More Read Less