American
abolitionist,
editor,
orator,
author,
statesman and
reformer Frederick Douglass, shown here in 1879. Born a
slave, Douglass was one of the most prominent figures in
African American history and a formidable public presence. He was a firm believer in the
equality of all people, whether
black,
female,
American Indian, or recent
immigrant. He was fond of saying, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."
February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada.Photo credit: George K. Warren