Tying Story to Identity
I was broken in body, soul, and spirit. My natural elasticity was
crushed, my intellect languished, the disposition to read departed,
the cheerful spark that lingered about my eye died; the dark night
of slavery closed in upon me; and behold a man transformed into a
brute. Frederick Douglass
Through his writing Frederick Douglass demonstrated that African
Americans could push past their perceived intellectual limitations.
Douglass’ rhetoric took on its own form, which cemented the idea
that African Americans can have their own unique thoughts as
opposed to a joined numb hive mind.
Transformative Photography
"When you look at a photograph of me, you're never going to deny
that I'm a man worthy of freedom and citizenship. You're going to
look me in the eye and see my humanity. “
Frederick Douglass
The next way a person can influence the world around them is by cultivating
a specific perception of themselves. Through Daguerreotypes Frederick
Douglass succeeded at transforming the African American image which
previously featured demeaning daguerreotypes of African Americans who
appeared vulnerable and weak; to being sophisticated and capable
individuals. In each photo he has a piercing, stern gaze. He is dressed in
formal attire. His overall appearance presents him as strong-willed, and
logical.
A Gallant Call to Arms
By all the ties of blood and identity which make us one with the
brave black men now fighting our battles in Louisiana and in South
Carolina, I urge you to fly to arms and smite with death the power
that would bury the government and your liberty in the same
hopeless grave.
Frederick Douglass
Douglass’ goals shifted to motivating African Americans to fight in
the Civil War. His words forged a strong unified racial identity that
consisted of people banding together to fight for their rights and
refusing back down.
The Power of Knowledge and Reason
Whether you like it or not the millions are here, and here they will
remain. If you do not lift them up, they will pull you down...
Education must not simply teach work - it must teach life.
W.E.B Du Bois
W.E.B Du Bois was a philosophical thinker who encouraged African
Americans to become well educated and apply knowledge to life,
rather than exclusively toward work. Like Douglass, both called
upon others to improve their community, and their overall
perception as African Americans within the rules set against them.
W.E.B Du Bois, Persistance & Progress
There is in this world no such force as the force of a person
determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.
W.E.B Du Bois
W.E.B Du Bois acknowledges that to fight oppression is to maintain
power, an identity, and a strong motivation for freedom and
equality.
Silence Cannot Continue!
We claim for ourselves every single right that belongs to a freeborn
American, political, civil and social; and until we get these rights we
will never cease to protest and assail the ears of America. The
battle we wage is not for ourselves alone but for all true Americans.
It is a fight for ideals, lest this, our common fatherland, false to its
founding, become in truth the land of the thief and the home of the
Slave — a by-word and a hissing among the nations for its sounding
pretensions and pitiful accomplishment.
W.E.B Du Bois’ beliefs shifted from education and philosophy being
the priority to protests and agitation. Like Douglass Du Bois
inspired African Americans to fight for their right to be treated as
more than second class citizens. This acknowledges that waiting to
be as equals was no longer an option, and change would only be
brought about by action rather than idle thoughts.
Redefining the African American Image on Media
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but
by the content of their character.
While Frederick was able to make himself well known by attending
conventions and writing literature. MLK’s words were broadcast
globally; thus, he had more public attention, and he even spoke in
Washington D.C. with the goal of changing the public image of
African Americans. MLK’s speeches promoted the necessity of
individualism, and racial equality.
Helping Those Who Cannot Help Themselves
We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the
victims of our nation and for those it calls enemy, for no document
from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers
and sisters.
MLK spoke on behalf of victims of racial injustice, and violence. Like
how Frederick Douglass’ inspirited African Americans to fight in the
Civil War for their right to equality. His words helped unify multiple
racial groups to come together and empower the underrepresented
African American identity.
The Main Points
While three single people are not the entire society. It’s important
to remember that their influence, their words, and portrayal
inspired African Americans to fight for better lives, push past their
limits, and join to forge a better tomorrow.
In short, the African American Identity is one of strength, resilience,
courage, and it cannot be permanently chained. Each threat or
barrier has resulted in the rebirth and creation of new philosophies,
and a way to break free.
However, it is necessary to think realistically rather than
romanticizing reality.
Where Have These Paradigm Shifts Brought to us Today?
I wanted to end by saying strength, resilience, and courage are the
only parts of the black identity, but I can't. Experiences whether
positive or negative can shape a person or groups’ identity.
According to an article published April 9th, 2025, on [Link],
only 11.1% of college graduates are African American (452,760).
Another Article from [Link] said 43.8% of African Americans
graduate (measuring from 2018 until present) While there is still a
long journey ahead for complete equality. We have a significant
influence on shaping this identity for this generation and later
generations. We do not live in vacuums. In fact, compared to the
time periods in which MLK, W.E.B Dubois, and Frederick Douglass
lived, our public opinions can be heard on a far wider scale, at a
quicker rate, which results in a more drastic impact. History showed
time and time again that Gordon parks was correct when he said,
“the monster you make me is the monster I am.” If society forces
any of its members to be a monster and oppress them until this
behavior becomes the only option, then these statistics will either
remain stagnant or worsen.
Believe in a Stronger Future
As Martin Luther King Jr once said, “If you can't fly then run, if you
can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you
do you have to keep moving forward.”
No matter how bad things appear today we must keep this identity
strong, its soul free, and live up to being the land of the free and
the home of the brave.