Bound for Glory

Written by Michael Black

Slavery defined African Americans and their culture in antebellum America. Slave ignorance kept the institution alive while education held the key change. Frederick Douglass knew this and was one of the driven men who strove for the freedom of not only himself but all slaves alike. Douglass' individuality in a time of unbearable persecution only adds to his character and helped him become an ever-present historical figure. Many parallels can be drawn between Douglass' narrative and the stories of both Benjamin Franklin and Mary Rowlandson. Although his similarities to the two differ from each other, he shared certain qualities and hardships with each that helped him become not only one of the most significant African-American figures of his time but also one of the most important characters in American history.

Douglass' importance in the anti-slavery movement alone earned him a place in history, yet there where also many white abolitionists that became heavily involved and influential in the cause. Douglass, however, grew up as a slave and achieved everything he had from nothing; this made his presence and impact all the more important. Frederick Douglass should not be historically viewed as a slave, but rather a victim of slavery.

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