As part of our unsung heroes of Black History Month series, this issue of The Winning Times features Frederick Douglass, a famous figure of American history who fought for the freedom of enslaved people and women’s rights throughout his life. He was born in February of 1817 or 1818 and was the first African American nominated for Vice President of the United States. He escaped enslavement in Maryland to become one of America’s most prominent abolitionists, an advisor to Lincoln, and a Republican statesman.  

In 1848, Douglass was the only Black person to attend the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention. Douglass stood and spoke eloquently in favor of women’s suffrage; he said that he could not accept the right to vote as a black man if women could also not claim that right. 

By his death in 1895, Douglass had also been named United States Marshal for the District of Columbia, the first person of color in the position, had started his own newspaper, reached acclaim for his sermons and preachings, and published the final edition of his autobiography. 

Submission credit to Christina Schnetzer.