---
title: Frederick Douglass - Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-frederick-douglass-statesman-abolitionist-1943/
description: A sheet of pencil drawings centred on a portrait of Frederick Douglass, with panels of a laborer, a launching Liberty ship and Douglass speaking
section: Collection
---

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3. Frederick Douglass - Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People

[![Frederick Douglass - Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People, 1943 US cartoon: A sheet of pencil drawings centred](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/us-owi-frederick-douglass-statesman-abolitionist-1943.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/us-owi-frederick-douglass-statesman-abolitionist-1943.jpg)

# Frederick Douglass - Statesman, Abolitionist, Champion of the People

A sheet of pencil drawings centred on a portrait of Frederick Douglass, with panels of a laborer, a launching Liberty ship and Douglass speaking to Lincoln, each with a caption. The tell is transfer: Douglass's standing is lent to wartime labor, shipbuilding and Black enlistment.

## Propaganda techniques used in this cartoon

[Transfer](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/transfer/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
STATESMAN, ABOLITIONIST, CHAMPION OF THE PEOPLE.
Knowing the hardships of the laborer, Douglass became one of his pioneer champions. While fighting fiercely for the rights of his own people, he pointed the way to the organization and unity of all working people.
Douglass, a Maryland born slave, once worked as a ship's caulker, only a short distance from the site where a Liberty ship, bearing his name was launched recently.
With the firm conviction that free men should have the right to defend their freedom, Douglass convinced Lincoln of the wisdom of enlisting Negro troops in the Union armies. He himself helped organize the 54th Massachusetts regiment, of Fort Wagner fame.
Alston OWI
```

[← Elvin Bell - Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Distinguished Heroism](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-elvin-bell-navy-marine-corps-medal-1943/) ["Good hunting, son, - you're on your own now!!!" →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/us-owi-good-hunting-son-alston-1943/)

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