1. Douglass’ Bestselling 1845 Biography Helped Push the Cause of Abolition

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Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” became a bestselling book and “was influential in promoting the cause of abolition.” Other books he published include “My Bondage and My Freedom” and “Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.” His second autobiography was published just three years prior to his death and it covered events during the Civil War. After one of his autobiographies was published, Douglass engaged in a two-year speaking tour of Great Britain and Ireland in order to avoid recapture by one of his former owners, who Douglass had mentioned in his book.

Douglass was known for his quote “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong” as he was an advocate for equality among all people. He delivered hundreds and hundreds of speeches and editorials against slavery and racism throughout his life, becoming a powerful voice of the people. According to History.com, he was the most important black American leader of the 19th century.