Frederick Douglass | The Most Photographed American of the 19th Century

Born into slavery as Frederick Douglass in 1818, this renowned lecturer and author would become one of the greatest public speakers of his time. After escaping slavery in 1838, Douglass joined the abolitionist movement. As a paid traveling lecturer, people everywhere laid their eyes on a freed, well-spoken black man.

Douglass was a visionary well before his time. Ensuring his photo was taken everywhere he went, he hoped to utilize his imagery to humanize black people — enslaved and free — at home and abroad. He is now known as the most-photographed person of the 19th Century.

Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — with additional commentary from Deborah Willis of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, John Stauffer Harvard University, Rhae Lynn Barnes of Princeton University, and David Blight of Yale University — we celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass who advocated for freedom and equality until his passing in 1895.

Archival Materials Courtesy of:Associated Press
Alamy Images
Everett Collection, Inc.
Getty Images
Library of Congress

Executive Producers:
Robert F. Smith
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Dyllan McGee
Deon Taylor

Music By:
Oovra Music

Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.

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