Douglass and the Photograph | Becoming Frederick Douglass

The most photographed American man of the 19th century, Frederick Douglass fully utliized the daguerreotype and the recent invention of photography. By portraying himself as majestic and dignified, he made it undeniable for 19th-century viewers that he, an African American man, was a human being. The power of his image challenged racist stereotypes of African Americans, and demonstrated the importance of representation. 

Explore this documentary film clip and engage students in historical thinking using the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool. In this inquiry-based resource for Becoming Frederick Douglass, students view a video clip that describes how Douglass uses the power of his image to challenge white stereotypes of African Americans, analyze primary source images of Frederick Douglass, and consider discussion prompts for more dialogue and deeper reflection.