Step into an immersive portrait of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass obtained freedom from chattel slavery in 1838 and became one of the leading orators, writers, and statespersons of the 19th century. The most photographed American of his era, Douglass understood that portraiture could challenge racist tropes and advance the freedom and civil rights of Black Americans and subjugated people around the world. Sir Isaac Julien’s ten-screen installation “Lessons of the Hour” prese

On August 11, 1841, Frederick Douglass was invited to speak at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society's annual convention. In front of a white audience, Douglass gave his first speech that got him noticed and put him on the path to becoming a lecturer. Following his speech, Douglass went on tours to give speeches and lectures. When he wasn’t on the road, Douglass participated in local abolition-related events. His writing and speeches on antislavery led him to write and publish his own autobiogr