How Does Frederick Douglass Show Courage

In Frederick Douglass’ personal autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Douglass remarked, “I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs” (Douglass 34). Courage is stepping out of the comfort zone and acting out regardless of fear. Frederick Douglass is the most prominent leader, authoritative speaker, and influential author of African American history. Douglass actively led the slavery abolition movement, fought for women’s voting rights, served as a statesman, and published three autobiographies and several abolitionist newspapers reflecting the abolition movement and hardships of slavery (“A Short Biography of Frederick Douglass). Frederick Douglass was

Douglass took his first step to abolish slavery by further educating himself, and he continued his reading. He subscribed to William Lloyd Garrison’s journal, The Liberator, and attended many of Garrison’s speeches. Douglass stated, “No face and form ever impressed me with such sentiments as did those of William Lloyd Garrison” (“Frederick Douglass”). He also joined numerous anti-slavery organizations, including a black church and Abolitionists’ meetings (“Frederick Douglass Biography”). At the meetings, Douglass would share his past experiences, and many were impressed by his rhetorical skills, so Douglass became a regular lecturer. Garrison was also fascinated by Douglass’ outstanding oration, considering Douglass’ lack of formal education. Under Garrison’s persuasion, Douglass published two autobiographies, namely Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave and Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. While there were many polarized reviews on both autobiographies, Douglass took the compliments and criticisms constructively and aimed to better himself. Douglass was invited to speak at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society’s annual convention, located in Nantucket. After his speech, an attendant said, “Flinty hearts were pierced and cold ones melted by his eloquence” (“A Short Biography of Frederick Douglass”). Douglass then participated in various lecture tours, but the audience didn’t always welcome the new face. Angry mobs would often beat Douglass, forcing him out of town (“Frederick Douglass”). By then, Douglass became famous in the black community, but his fame also spread to the whites. Unfortunately, as a well-known runaway slave, Douglass had to depart to Ireland to prevent recapture. Douglass continued to pursue abolition, and he lectured about the evils of slavery to large crowds in Ireland, and eventually, in Britain.