Political Quotes

Frederick Douglass: We are often asked with an air of reproach by white men at the North: “Why don’t your people fight their way to the…

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We are often asked with an air of reproach by white men at the North: “Why don’t your people fight their way to the ballot-box?” The question adds insult to injury.
Said by
Frederick Douglass

Editor's note · Context

Douglass critiques the misconception that African Americans should resort to violence to gain voting rights.

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