Frederick Douglas

The poem Frederick Douglas by Robert Hayden is a poem that touched me deeply on a few different levels. The first thing that stood out to me was the new language that I found in this poem. As a history minor I have studied the life of Frederick Douglas in the past. He was a man who devoted his life to others. He was willing to go out and do things that most black men at the time didn't do. He stood for what he believed in which was the freedom of others. This poem gives a personal side to Frederick Douglas that really touched me. I found this very poignant as well because at the time of his death African Americans were not allowed the rights of their fellow man. If Frederick Douglas was able to see what his and many other African Americans sacrifces accomplished I am sure he would be proud.