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Frederick Douglass: Agitator

Walk on Frederick Douglass’s Journey

Frederick Douglas changed his times, but he never changed the clarity of his mission: equality for all. Journey through decades of his written words, and interact with their timeless power.

Originally on view at the American Writers Museum June 2018-June 2019

Explore the Virtual Exhibit

Instructions

Frederick Douglass: Agitator Educational Material Instructions

These instructions help guide educators through the materials on which standards are met by each activity, and how to support students completing work virtually.
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Vocabulary

Frederick Douglass Vocabulary Terms

Explore vocabulary terms that students may find in Frederick Douglass: Agitator. Please note that each page represents a different grade level from 1st-4th.
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The top of a worksheet for students about the Frederick Douglass: Agitator exhibit at the American Writers Museum
Worksheet

Frederick Douglass: Agitator Worksheet

This worksheet can be used by grades 5-12, as it can be scaled for the topic your student is currently working on.
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Reading

Further Recommended Readings

Download this short list of further recommended readings to explore other works on the lives of enslaved people in the United States.
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About the Exhibit

Originally on view at the American Writers Museum June 22, 2018-June 10, 2019

Author and orator Frederick Douglass was a “self-made man” (the title of one of his most popular speeches). To Douglass, a self-made man was an activist who sought to eradicate the sins of society. He escaped from slavery to become one of the most eloquent voices of abolitionism. The official end of slavery in 1865 marked the second phase of Douglass’ career. His words – passionate, brilliant, and powerful – denounced violent racism in the South while demanding true equality for all Americans.

On this site, visitors can see the content from the exhibit, learn about Douglass’ use of portraiture, download curriculum, and more. Scroll down to learn more about the making of this exhibit.

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19:08
Frederick Douglass: Agitator
To celebrate the launch of the AWM's special exhibit "Frederick Douglass: Agitator," we welcomed Harvard scholar Keidrick Roy to discuss the enduring legacy of Douglass. Roy served as one of the main curators of the exhibit. This program was recorded when the physical exhibit opened in June of 2018.
1:12:52
The Legacy of Frederick Douglass
Kenneth B. Morris, a descendant of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, discusses their legacy and continued relevance, in conjunction with the American Writers Museum’s exhibit "Frederick Douglass: Agitator." This program was recorded by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV).
1:04:24
Enduring Legacy of Frederick Douglass
American Writers Museum presents a discussion with historian and writer Manisha Sinha about the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass. Sinha is the author of "The Slave's Cause: A History of Abolition" which one the 2017 Frederick Douglass Book Prize. This conversation originally took place May 28, 2020 and was recorded live via Zoom.

Walk on Frederick Douglass’ Journey

Frederick Douglass changed his times, but never changed the clarity of his mission: equality for all. Journey through the decades of his written words, and interact with their timeless power.

View the Virtual Exhibit

Our Sponsors

Thank you to the partners who helped create Frederick Douglass: Agitator. See the original press release with more information here.

Komarek-Hyde-McQueen Foundation

Guild Sponsors

The Donnelly Foundation
Jane Rotrosen Agency
Jane Irwin
Patricia Dodson
Joyce & Don Rumsfeld
Olivia Bedi's Fabulous Facebook Friends

Partners

Dr. John Stauffer
Chicago Scenic Studios
Keidrick Roy
Young Chicago Authors
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives
Amaze Design
Proun Design
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Chicago, IL 60601

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To A Nation of Writers, John and Cathie Estey
To Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation Mind of a Writer Gallery

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