On the recordJanuary 1, 1881
From the first I saw no chance of bettering the condition of the freedman, until he should cease to be merely a freedman, and should become a citizen.
Said by
Frederick Douglass
Source
gutenberg.orgFrederick Douglass: “From the first I saw no chance of bettering the condition of the freedman, until he should cease to be merely a…”
Editor's note · Context
Douglass articulates his early understanding that full citizenship, not just freedom, was essential for the advancement of formerly enslaved people.
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More from Frederick Douglass
Jan 1, 1881
Still another ground of hope I find in the fact that colored men are strong in their gratitude to benefactors, and firm in their political convictions.
Jan 1, 1881
Nothing but the shot-gun or the bull-dozer’s whip can keep them from voting their convictions.