#402 The Abolitionists: Douglass and Walker

Jigsaw: Strands of abolitionism

In this activity, we will first divide into three letter groups in which you will read a portion of The Abolitionists page on Discovering History:

• Group A: Colonization and Gradual Emancipation; Immediate Emancipation
• Group B: David Walker; William Lloyd Garrison
• Group C: Moral Suasion; Frederick Douglass and Black Abolitionists

In your letter groups, consider—and discuss—the following questions:

• What were the different varieties of abolitionism?
• How did abolitionism challenge the barriers to racial equality and free speech?
• How was racism evident even in the abolitionist movement? What steps did some abolitionists take to fight racism in American society?

Next, we split up into three number groups and share out what was discussed in our letter groups.

Discussion:

Take 1-2 minutes to read these possible questions over and jot down at least 1 question of your own that you might want to direct to the class. Two volunteer facilitators will then lead our discussion.

• How would you describe the tone of the two texts?
• To whom do you think they are speaking? (Who is their audience?)
• What does Frederick Douglass mean when he says “I am not included in the pale of this glorious anniversary”? (361)
• What might Douglass hope to accomplish by accusing white Americans of injustice and hypocrisy?
• How might have various groups of Americans (e.g., white Southerners, white Northerners, black Americans) responded differently to David Walker’s question: “Now, Americans! I ask you candidly, was your sufferings under Great Britain, one hundredth part as cruel and tyrannical as you have rendered ours under you?”
  • Extension: is this a fair question to ask? Why or why not?
• Do the arguments presented here resonate with the protests and arguments of Colin Kaepernick today?

Homework: Assignment #403