On this edition of Your Call, we’ll talk about the story of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
In his Pulitzer-winning biography of the former slave turned internationally famous orator, David Blight chronicles Douglass’ rise to prominence and the development of his ideas. He also uncovers details of Douglass’ family life, highlights the steadfast support Douglass enjoyed from his wife Anna, and takes a critical look at his claims of being a self-made man. How should we understand the legacy of Frederick Douglass?
Guest:
David Blight, teacher, scholar and public historian, professor of American history at Yale University, director of the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, and author of Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
Web Resources:
The Atlantic: The Confounding Truth About Frederick Douglass
The New York Times: How the Right Co-Opts Frederick Douglass
New Haven Register: Frederick Douglass biography by Yale historian a lesson for our time