Early Life Of Frederick Douglass Education Essay

The mid- to late-nineteenth century was a dark time for slaves in the United States of America. There was a constant struggle for power and social standing in the South, and slaves, were caught in the middle. In order for Frederick Douglass to free himself from the educational and spiritual darkness of slavery, it was essential for him to learn to read and write. Throughout his childhood Douglass was passionate about his need for education. Frederick Douglass (1845/1995), famous freed slave and abolitionist spoke to this effect in his memoir, Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, an American Slave, stating, “Their minds had been starved by their cruel masters. They had been shut up in mental darkness” (p. 48-49). However, in his effort to combat the spiritual and educational darkness of the times, Douglass was faced with many trials. The kindness of one of his masters led her to teach him the

His ability to read and understand God's Word urged him to teach others at a Sabbath school. Douglass (1845/1995) stated, "They were great days to my soul. The work of instructing my dear fellow-slaves was the sweetest engagement with which I was ever blessed" (p.48). However, Douglass and all those attending the little institution were constantly in danger of being caught. As the days went by, many of the people attending the Sabbath school were taught how to read and write, and were able to then teach others. There was only one incident that Douglass (1845/1995) mentioned, "Wright Fairbanks and Garrison West, both class-leaders, in connection with many others, rushed in upon us with sticks and stones, and broke up our virtuous little Sabbath school" (p.48). But even this cruel act of unkindness did not crush Douglass's passion. He used his knowledge to attempt multiple escapes from slavery, and when successful, was a major figure in the abolishment of