John Brown: An Address at the 14th Anniversary of Storer College

"John Brown: An Address at the 14th Anniversary of Storer College" by Frederick Douglass is a speech given in the late 1800s, which reflects on the controversial figure of John Brown and his impact on the fight to end slavery. Focusing on Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859, Douglass makes a case for understanding Brown’s deep motivations and the importance of his actions in the story of the United States. The speech vividly retells the events at Harper's Ferry, where Brown tried to start a rebellion to free enslaved people, portraying Brown as someone who sacrificed everything for freedom. Douglass explores the different ways people saw Brown, from initial fear and anger to a later understanding of his courage and moral certainty in fighting for justice. Using both personal stories and historical facts, Douglass aims to honor Brown's legacy and encourage the audience to think differently about the sacrifices needed to achieve liberty.