Frederick douglass social activist, editor, orator, writer and statesman. after escaping from slavery was the leader of the abolitionist movement. in 1841, during a meeting of abolitionists from massachusetts antislavery society, gave a speech about the importance of personal freedom. the participants were so moved by his speech that they hired him as a speaker at rallies of opponents of slavery. since then, douglass became an active opponent of racial segregation. he opposed a separate rail wagon for white and black pointedly taking place in the 'white' ones. many times he was removed from there by force.