Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass, born a slave, became one of the greatest figures in African-American history. He was the first African American to run for the office of Vice President, in 1872, and a writer, editor, speaker and statesman as well. He fought for the abolition of slavery and also for the rights of women to vote. For more on African-American History, see the Black History Month feature, and for more on the Civil Rights Movement, see The American Civil Rights Movement feature.