Episode 18

Who is Frederick Douglass?

You have probably heard the names Harriet Tubman or Booker T. Washington (not the WWE superstar), but what about Frederick Douglass?

As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th century America.

In this episode celebrating Black History Month 2023, we discuss the life and achievements of an abolitionist, a politician and, most importantly, a free black man in 19th century America, as we ask... who is Frederick Douglass?

Guests on this episode:

Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience.
Tony Phillips, a former undergraduate in American Studies at UEA. He forged a career as a documentary maker at the BBC, later becoming a commissioning editor at BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He was also Vice President of Content at WNYC Studios in New York, and he’s currently the exec producer on Every Voice with Terrance McKnight for WQXR NY.

Key Points of Discussion:

Douglass' upbringing as a slave, and his time in Maryland.
What Frederick Douglass' can still tell us about the black experience in America today.
Douglass the abolitionist and public speaker
Post civil-war and his political career

Additional Resources:

BOOK: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

BOOK: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom

PODCAST: Every Voice with Terence McKnight

BOOK: Frederick Douglass by Wililam S. Mcfeely