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Frederick Douglass Quotes

3 verified quotes, the most famous first

Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman. He is described as the most important leader of the African-American civil rights movement in the 19th century. His powerful speeches and writings are widely quoted.

Lived 1818 to 1895
American abolitionist, orator and writer
Social reformer and statesman
Called the most important civil rights leader of the 19th century

Source: Frederick Douglass on Wikipedia

“Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

— Frederick Douglass · "If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress," speech, 1857

“What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?”

— Frederick Douglass · Speech, July 5, 1852

“This, for the purpose of this celebration, is the Fourth of July. It is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom.”

— Frederick Douglass · What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?, July 5, 1852