One of the most important African-American writers of his time and the entire history of the US

This writer, editor and abolitionist activist, known as the Sage of Anacostia or The Lion of Anacostia, was born around 1818 on a plantation in Maryland, son of a slave and presumiblente, a white man who might be his master. Between city and countryside, sometimes pawn loan at lease as his life passed from master to master until in 1838 disguised as a sailor, he escaped to New York. Installed in Massachusetts, joined the abolitionist cause and gave testimonials conferences by all the Northern states.

During the Civil War he was involved in recruiting black soldiers for the army of the North. Subsequently he held various management positions and was consul of USA in Haiti.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass a slave was a best-seller since its publication in 1845.