Frederick Douglass and the Nation's Moral Conscience

Leading with a brief video summarizing the life of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), we will examine his role as both a public intellectual and a political activist, noting how he will connect the fight for abolition with broader social movements, including women’s rights and racial equality. We will consider how Douglass’s eloquent speeches and writings will challenge the moral justifications for slavery and connect with the moral conscience of the nation.

We will discuss how his writings and actions continue to serve as a vital source of inspiration for ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable society. Our meeting will also include a video of a recitation of Douglass's 4th of July speech. We can promise a very interesting topic for us to discuss.