Lewis Henry Douglass may be considered one of the most outstanding personalities in the history of American nation and undoubtedly – one of the most dedicated members of his famous and activist family.
Son of one of the most influential abolitionists of the 19th century and the former slave Frederick Douglass, Lewis chose his own way, but continued the work of his father and followed his principles.
Early Life
Lewis Henry Douglass was born on April 5, 1840, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. His earliest childhood was a rich combination of parental nurture and the energetic antislavery movement that characterized the society at his tender age.
However, with the despised racial discrimination of those days, young Lewis was still privileged to good education in Rochester – New York – where he had relocated with his family. The printing office of his father was his first school.
Finally, he moves to Rochester played a valuable role in the formation of Lewis as a character: in contrast to many African American children of pre-Civil Rights Movement generation, he had the chance (though it was far from habitual) to attend public schools. He proved to be a good student and gained particular interest in writing specially for public speaking which would come in handy in his future profession.
Career
Lewis Henry Douglass’s career was productive, and he served the public faithfully during his lifetime. In the Civil War, he proved to be quite a brave man by joining the Union Army as one of the first black drill masters.
He fought with honor in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, was involved in the charge on the Fort Wagner in South Carolina. He sustained himself from gunshot in the battles and his performance was characterized by the need of black soldiers to fight for their liberation.
Parents: Frederick Douglass and Anna Murray Dress
Lewis had super parents whose role model impacted his decision in life. His father was Frederick Douglass who they say was one of the greatest African American abolitionists and speakers of all times. Frederick changed to an influential advocate of the abolishment of salvage and black’s equality basic rights.
Hence being a columnist of his own paper and a special consultant of the then president, Abraham Lincoln. Through his father’s virtues; bravery, wisdom, chief factor basic righteousness Lewis was shaped to be a leader and endued with moral backbone.
His mother, Anna Murray Douglass, whilst perhaps not as well noted in historical record as much as his father, was just as important to Lewis’s formation. Originally from Baltimore, and a free-born woman, Anna helped Frederick in his escape from the bondage and gave her children the perfectly safe and loving home.
She paid household bills, took care of her husband’s cause and raised virtuous children. Strength, resourcefulness and love for the family defined the character of a young woman and bestow on Lewis proper man’s values and goals. His life narrative is an epitome of family heritage and commitment each person should put in fighting for equality and human rights.
