African American History Documents

Descendants of African-Americans who began their lives in America as kidnapped slaves were then deprived of civil rights by "Jim Crow" laws. Leaders inspired others to overcome racial prejudice and legal obstacles. These stories highlight the ups and downs of black history.

Frederick Douglass - Becomes Ambassador to Haiti, Page 1

Frederick Douglass writes to then-Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, responding to the President's invitation that Douglass serve as the U.S. Ambass...

Frederick Douglass Lecture Notes

Frederick Douglass was a much-sought-after speaker. This image depicts a page from one of his lectures honoring John Brown. Among other observa...

Frederick Douglass Letter, Page 2

Second page of a letter from Frederick Douglass to America's then-Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, accepting the offer (made by President Benjamin...

Frederick Douglass Narrative - Garrison's Preface

This is an excerpt of the Preface which WIlliam Lloyd Garrison wrote for Frederick Douglass' Narratives. The white abolitionist greatly admired...

Fugitive Slave Law - A Synopsis of the Law

The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 permitted slave-hunters to seize an alleged fugitive slave without the slightest due process of law. It also proh...

Fugitive Slave Law of 1793

Long before Americans fought a Civil War - beginning in 1861 - slaves were running away. This document, from the U.S. National Archives, depicts...

Fugitive Slaves Escape in a Small Skiff

In his book, The Underground Railroad, William Still includes a story about four slaves who wanted to escape from Delaware (a slave state which remain...