Comparing Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass two inspirational black figures in black history were very atypical from their fellow slaves. Both figures were disrespected then and even more respected today. There were plenty of trial and tribulations throughout their lives but they preserved to become the icons they are today. For many reasons we can see how they are atypical from there fellow slaves and how we should be thankful for our freedom and take advantage of opportunities just like they did.

Sojourner Truth, one of the elite black females in women history is atypical of her slaves because her name alone is still being discuss in today’s society. By changing in her name to Sojourner Truth, her name alone is atypical from the rest of her fellow slaves. It has tremendous meaning because she felt as one of God’s children her words were very moving, powerful and truthful. Another example is that Sojourner Truth stood at 6’0 tall, that’s extremely tall for a woman, and with this height she created a dominant presents.

Born a slave, Sojourner Truth couldn’t read and write like most slaves, but her strong mindset and her perseverance were acknowledged early. Only a select few of slaves had a heart of a champion, but Truth’s willingness to stand for what she believed in and what was right ultimately gave her the recognition she proudly deserves. She was involved in many organizations from women’s rights to being a New York Perfectionists (Anthology of African American Literature pg 112).

On her quest for women rights, her best well known speech was he “Address to the Ohio Women’s Right Convention”. This powerful speech moved plenty of African American women to push for equal rights among their gender. Truth was a strong, proud black woman and with amazing antics as such, we can see why she was atypical from her fellow slaves. As much as Sojourner Truth was such of an importance to slavery and women rights, Frederick Douglass had more of an impact in his success of abolition slavery.

With a contribution that big we can all see why Frederick Douglass was atypical from his fellow slaves. Just like Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass already stood out from the rest of his fellow slaves at a height of 6’4. Frederick Douglass ability to read and write is unbelievable feat by itself but his persuasion with his words was powerful and influential. His demeanor commanded everyone’s attention and when he spoke all eyes were on Douglass. His willingness to show other slaves how to read and write is only part of his determination that is shown.

Escaping from slavery and providing for his family shows great determination and pride within himself. His knowledge about slavery, the analogy used in speeches made Frederick Douglass one of the most important figures in history. As Arabram Lincoln asks Frederick Douglass to come to the white House to help Lincoln with his candidacy, shows the impact Douglass has on political views in this era. A gesture so big shouldn’t go unnoticed in history. Also it shouldn’t go unnoticed because a white man is asking for help from a black man to keep his presidency intact.

Therefore is goes to show how important Frederick Douglass was and shows that he’s very atypical from his fellow slaves. These powerful figures had outstanding contributions to everything we are allowed to do today for example women voting, equal opportunity and the right to make a difference if you truly worked hard at it.