Jan 1, 1855
If the father attempt to give his son a knowledge of letters, he may be punished by the whip in one instance, and in another be killed, at the discretion of the court.
Frederick Douglass
The Public Record
Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. He was "the most important leader of the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century".
gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1855
If a mother shall teach her children to read, the law in Louisiana proclaims that she may be hanged by the neck.
Jan 1, 1855
This is American slavery; no marriage—no education—the light of the gospel shut out from the dark mind of the bondman—and he forbidden by law to learn to read.
Jan 1, 1855
If any of these three millions find for themselves companions, and prove themselves honest, upright, virtuous persons to each other, yet in these cases—few as I am bound to confess they are—the virtuous live in constant apprehension of…
Jan 1, 1855
What is to be thought of a nation boasting of its liberty, boasting of its humanity, boasting of its Christianity, boasting of its love of justice and purity, and yet having within its own borders three millions of persons denied by law…
Jan 1, 1855
The marriage institution cannot exist among slaves, and one-sixth of the population of democratic America is denied its privileges by the law of the land.
Jan 1, 1855
If his moral perception leads him in a course contrary to his value as property, the slaveholder declares he shall not exercise it.
Jan 1, 1855
God has given him an intellect; the slaveholder declares it shall not be cultivated.
Jan 1, 1855
Whatever of comfort is necessary to him for his body or soul that is inconsistent with his being property, is carefully wrested from him, not only by public opinion, but by the law of the country.
Jan 1, 1855
If he is clothed, it is with a view to the increase of his value as property.