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Video

Reading Frederick Douglass’ Letter to Thomas Auld | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Grade: 6–12
Duration: 33 min
Topics: Slavery, African American History, Establishment Clause
Published: Feb 22, 2021

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Founding Principles

Equality, Liberty

Virtues

Courage, Justice

About this video

Kirk Higgins is joined by David Bobb, President of the Bill of Rights Institute, to read Frederick Douglass’s 1848 letter to Thomas Auld, his former enslaver. Through the letter, they'll explore Douglass' incredible story and how he connected his horrific experiences as an enslaved man to a strong moral argument against slavery. How does Douglass define his own humanity and the natural rights of humankind?

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