Cordova, MD
February 1818 -1895
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress”
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
Frederick Douglass was one of America’s true heroes in part because he fought to make America a better place. He was an integral part of both the anti-slavery movement and woman’s rights movement. Douglass was born enslaved (escaped dressed as a sailor) and had to flee to Europe to avoid recapture. As a child he taught the other enslaved children how to read. Eventually, in 1847, he bought his own freedom.
Frederick Douglass was on of a small number of men to attend the Seneca Falls Woman’s Convention in 1848. He became one of the country’s most well-known and inspiring intellectuals and public speakers. Two little known facts about him are that he advised two presidents, Lincoln and Johnson and also, he was a vice presidential candidate.
It is difficult for me to express the amount of admiration that I have for Frederick Douglass. I can’t imagine the courage and drive it took for him to accomplish what he did in his lifetime. I am inspired by his intellect, faith, and commitment to humanity. And I am humbled by his strength of character and determination.
As I painted this painting, I wanted to capture this strength and determination. I included his words because Frederick was such a gifted orator and writer. Because he was so prolific, I had many quotes to choose from. I chose these two quotes because they resonate with how I feel in our current unrest. In a healthy democracy, protest and speaking up about injustice is essential. Struggle is essential! We are struggling right now. I hold onto these wise words of Frederick Douglass, and I too want to believe that America will become a better place because of this struggle.