Another Life To Know ~ By Cara Haley

    There have been so many wonderful people throughout history who have created a difference, and their stories are leaked with pure inspirational influence. One life has the power to make a difference. It is astounding to know that there have been common people standing up to do good. What is even more astonishing is that a slave once got up from under captivity and thrived for a change. This one individual in particular started an innovation in early history.  They faced not only racial equality and social struggles, but an internal war of finding worth.  The magnificent individual I am speaking of is Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was born a slave, but he abolished that cruel life with his escape. After that, he was merely not satisfied to allow that bondage to continue. He joined and led the abolitionist movement that was against slavery. Speaking against slavery, his most powerful  voice was in the words he wrote. 

    Frederick Douglass wrote several autobiographers that opened that unknown dark  world to the reader.  Throughout the chronicles of his autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom,  and Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,  a development of cause was felt and the reader could say that they were imbued by the simple meaningful words used. There was a certain element of power  and applause that follows him when he speaks. In his words, emotions were being poured out  and questions about the confusing need of control in life filled one's heart with sorrow. Privileges were stolen from the beginning. To always live in the confusion of not knowing who you belong to, or even to grow up without having the best wishes from your mother is heartbreaking. To have a settlement one moment, but to be torn apart at auction leaves an unbalanced life. To have your family all strangers or no family at all is unimaginable. This all though was quite common in a slave's life. Can you imagine witnessing such bloody horrors at such a young age? To be beaten and mistreated on a daily basics should stir some compassion in others. But no. Living in a lonely cold world where no one cares really breaks a soul apart. The isolation one felt goes along with the cold density of forgotten humanity amongst society.  The hopes of being free was what kept one living on. With no voice on the fate decided, one felt that their voice was no  good at all against the matter of command. To be washed around like a useless object of mankind's favoring, one will either break down under the pressure of absolute isolation or will risk their life to obtain that freedom that was dreamed of forever.

   Frederick Douglass' own life narrative went through how he escaped slavery and made greatness. All colors were shown. The vivid meaning behind the barbarous life of bondage was not  lightened. He showed his life to all views, and his personal desire was what left the reader devastated.  More than most, his life was a noble vindication of the highest aims of the American anti-slavery movement. He viewed the right and the wrong of life with the purpose of creating a  life of equality.  He allowed nothing to hinder him and his passion for equality still inspire many today. His words that shall never be forgotten is, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."  He left a living inspiration behind and I urge you to allow yourself to be drawn in another life. The unimaginable was a reality in his life, and in his words, struggle and freedom was felt.  Frederick Douglass is still a valuable figure today and shouldn't ever be forgotten.