Introduction
Frederick Douglass, born in 1818, was a prominent Black American abolitionist of the 19th century who stood against the slavery of his people. With his history of slavery and belonging to the black community, Douglass was a better spokesperson and representative of the Black Slaves than the few revolutionists who claimed to understand their pain. Fredrick is famous for his outstanding autobiographies that give a true and detailed insight of the sufferings of the black community and how they were treated as slaves.
Frederick Douglass’s Escape
Born to a slave mother, Frederick was forced to follow her legacy and begin serving at the age of eight. Douglass was exposed to extreme brutal actions against the slaves. He was whipped and left out hungry and cold in the streets of the country.
He was first hired by a ship carpenter Hugh Auld, where he served the family. Auld’s wife defied the state law and decided to teach the little boy to read and write. However, as soon as Auld learned about the actions of his wife, he ended the learning process and declared that giving him education will lead him to become more informed and independent, which will make him refuse to slavery. Nevertheless, Frederick didn’t give up on his love for education and continued to indulge with schoolboys in the streets and learned from them.
Later he was taken over by a brutal man, Edward Covey, who made him run a farm and constantly beat him to an extent that his whole body felt broken. Covey’s poor treatment of the young boy ignited his anger and desire for freedom. He knew he didn’t belong to slavery and farms. There was so much more for him to thrive and achieve his aims.
On January 1, 1836, the angered and mistreated black slave, Fredrick Douglass, made a resolution that he was no longer going to live the life of a slave. He had decided to manage to be free by the end of that year. Douglass planned his escape. However, when his plan was discovered, he was jailed before he could implement his idea. Douglass never gave up on his dream of freedom and always tried to seek ways of escape.
Two years later, in 1838, Douglass was working in a shipyard when he decided to flee the city on 3rd September. He soon realized his dream and made it possible. He ran away from his employment and traveled to New York City by train, a steamboat and again a train. On his arrival at the station, Fredrick knew it was his time to achieve what had always dreamed of. He was scared and feared to return the life of brutality and abuse. He disguised himself as a freed slave in a fear that he will be caught and jailed again for his actions (Douglas, F. 1968).
His papers were fake and he constantly feared the train conductors realizing his identity. He acted normal like all the other free African-Americans and gained the trust of the investigators. He soon reached his destination, New York City. Several weeks later, Fredrick Douglass settled in the city of New Bedford with his newlywed bride and realized his purpose. He was not meant to slave but to fight for freedom and seek knowledge
His thirst for education and love for reading led him to become more informed on the subject of slavery and how the black community was treated. He soon joined a black church and became a member of the Anti-Slavery community. He wrote about his life events and how all black slaves were treated. With his experience in slavery and writing skills, Frederick was able to gain the attention of revolutionists who believed in the freedom of black slaves.
References
Douglas, F. (1968). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas an American Slave. Signet Classics.
