Frederick douglass and harriet tubman. New documentaries on Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman premiere on Maryland Public Television 2023-01-02

Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman were two of the most prominent figures in the American abolitionist movement, which sought to end the institution of slavery in the United States. Both Douglass and Tubman were born into slavery and were able to escape to freedom, becoming powerful advocates for the rights of enslaved people.

Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey in 1818 on a plantation in Maryland. He was separated from his mother when he was a child and was raised by his grandmother, who taught him how to read and write despite the fact that it was illegal for enslaved people to do so. As a young man, Douglass escaped from slavery and became a prominent speaker and writer, using his personal experiences to expose the cruelty and injustice of the institution of slavery.

Tubman, born Araminta Ross in 1822, also escaped from slavery and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and secret routes that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Tubman made numerous trips back to the South to rescue enslaved people, earning the nickname "Moses" for her ability to lead people to freedom. In addition to her work on the Underground Railroad, Tubman also served as a spy and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Both Douglass and Tubman were deeply committed to the abolitionist cause and worked tirelessly to bring about the end of slavery. Douglass was a founding member of the abolitionist newspaper "The North Star" and gave numerous speeches calling for the end of slavery. Tubman, meanwhile, risked her life to help enslaved people escape to freedom and worked with other abolitionists to spread the message of freedom and equality.

The contributions of Douglass and Tubman to the abolitionist movement were invaluable and had a lasting impact on the course of American history. Their bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom inspired countless others to join the fight against slavery and helped pave the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States. Today, Douglass and Tubman are remembered as two of the most important figures in the struggle for civil rights and are celebrated for their tireless efforts to bring about a more just and equal society.