Frederick Douglass — "The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions ye…"

"Should a slave, when assaulted, but raise his hand in self defense, the white assaulting party is fully justified by southern, or Maryland, public opinion, in shooting the slave down."

"I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us."

"Prejudice against color is stronger north than south; it hangs around my neck like a heavy weight."

"Virginia was never nearer emancipation than when General Turner kindled the fires of insurrection at Southampton."

"The American people have always been anxious to know what they shall do with us... I have had but one answer from the beginning. Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief.…"