COURAGE

Who is one of the most courageous people you know? Either today, or the past.

I feel as though when people ask this question, most of the answers they get back are people like, Abraham Lincon, Martin Liuther King Jr, or Sacajawea. And although these people accomplished incredible things, I think that there are still many others who's achievements have gone unnoticed. Think of all the people whose bravery shaped the America we know today. Think of all the men and women who deserve credit for their courage.

Well today, I'm going to talk about a man name Frederick Douglass. He is relatively well known, but I argue that his accomplishments should be more well known. Born into slavery, Douglass risked everything to escape. Later he discovered his talent. Frederick had a gift for public speaking. His booming voice projected meaningful messages to the crowds about the horrors of slavery and need for freedom. A loyal abolitionist, Douglass helped the movement by spreading the atrocities of slavery, and pleading from the heart. He used his own experiences to paint a vivid picture for the people he addressed: Slavery is unjust.

But Frederick's voice and speeches came with a price. Not everyone he spoke with supported his movement. He was continuously hounded by slavery enthusiasts, resulted in his beating and capture on multiple occasions. Not only was Frederick at risk himself, but his five children and wife were as well.

Despite this, Douglass believed in justice, and he believed that the African Americans should be free. And so Frederick beat down the obstacles that hindered him, and his actions changed the way Americans live.