Frederick Douglass... Then and Now

First of all, do this activity from National Geographic about the underground railroad. Did you escape? If you were truly in that situation, do think it would have been that easy, or would you have turned your back on freedom? How does this change your thoughts on Frederick Douglass. How does this quote from the book relate... "There I was in the midst of thousands, and yet a perfect stranger; without home and without friends, in the midst of thousands of my own brethren - children of a common Father, and yet I dared not to unfold to any one of them my sad condition"(Douglass 93). How would you feel in his shoes?

Next, listen to this song by Brett Dennen entitled "I Asked When". How does his want to change society relate to the desires of Douglass? What do you think of his desires, are they impossible, or possible?

Finally, Watch the first 3 minutes and 40 seconds of this speech by Barack Obama about racism in America. How has his presidency changed, or not changed the racial structure of America? How do you think these problems can be solved in the future? How does his campaign relate, or not, to Frederick Douglass?

Once you have done all of these activities, discuss the book as a whole, and how it relates to modern racism and modern freedoms. Don't forget to use proper blogging etiquette and respond to other's comments!