Frederick Douglass (c. February 14, 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Born into slavery in Maryland, he escaped in 1838 and became a national leader of the abolitionist movement. He was widely celebrated for his powerful oratory and incisive writings against slavery. Douglass authored three autobiographies detailing his life as a slave and his journey to freedom, including the famous "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845). He was a strong advocate for African American civil rights and also supported women's suffrage. Beyond activism, he held several public offices, including serving as U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and U.S. Minister to Haiti. Douglass advised Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson during and after the Civil War. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the fight for equality and freedom in America. Would you like details on specific aspects of his life or work? This summary draws from comprehensive sources including Wikipedia, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Britannica, and other historical sites.