Frederick Douglass

As a young man, he experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand. As a leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of America´s great voices.

Frederick Douglass stumbled upon his calling, giving an impromptu address at an antislavery convention in 1841. A ""recent graduate from the institution of slavery with his diploma on his back,"" he quickly became a powerful symbol of freedom. His brilliant speeches and tireless work greatly furthered the cause of the abolitionists. This program chronicles Douglass´ incredible life, from his childhood in slavery to his work on behalf of the freed slaves after the Civil War.

Rare photographs, archival material and extensive interviews with leading historians offer a revealing portrait of a remarkable man.