Frederick Douglass

by Charles Alston

Frederick Douglass

Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People.

Knowing the hardships of the laborer, Douglass became one of his pioneer champions. While fighting fiercley for the rights of his own people, he pointed the way to the organization and unity of all working people.

Douglass, a Maryland born slave, once worked as a ship's caulker, only a short distance from the site where a Libery Ship, bearing his name was launched recently.

With the firm conviction that free men should have the right to defend their freedom, Douglass convinced Lincoln of the wisdom of enlisting negro troops in the Union Armies.

He himself helped organize the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Fort Wagner Fame.

Frederick Douglass, Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People., by Charles Henry Alston, National Archives Identifier: 535673 Local Identifier: 208-COM-190; Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Domestic Operations Branch. News Bureau. 6/13/1942-9/15/1945.