Horrible Harvest

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Frederick Douglass.

Growing up in the South, I was never taught about Frederick Douglass. Granted, I wasn’t the best student, and my memory is for shit, so it’s possible that an insignificant amount of time was devoted to the man. But I argue that the life and accomplishments of Mr. Douglass were such that as much time should have been devoted to him as Washington or Lincoln or any figure in our nation’s early history. For no other reason than he proved that education is the most empowering tool to give you a voice in shaping this world. It earned him not just freedom, but respect at a time when black men and women were, by order of the Supreme Court, only fitted for hard labor and lifelong servitude. He was living proof that such a law is immoral and antithetical to the principles of the United States of America.

As an adult, I realize that the reason the details of Frederick Douglass’s life were kept from us for so long is that he represents a danger to the ruling class. An educated population is a citizenry that must be served not ruled, and the power structure that currently runs this country can’t get rich by serving their constituents.

So, I say to you, follow Frederick Douglass’s lead. Read and be forever free. Be the danger that terrifies the ruling class.