Political Quotes

Frederick Douglass: But the most dreadful thing threatened, was a colored man at the Executive Mansion in white kid gloves, sparrow-tailed…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1881
But the most dreadful thing threatened, was a colored man at the Executive Mansion in white kid gloves, sparrow-tailed coat, patent leather boots, and alabaster cravat, performing the ceremony--a very empty one--of introducing the aristocratic citizens of the republic to the President of the United States.
Said by
Frederick Douglass

Editor's note · Context

Douglass sarcastically describes the exaggerated fears of those who opposed his appointment, particularly the prospect of a Black man in a position of social prominence.

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