create an anti slavery speech that wouldve been written in 1860 from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass as an example of the cruelty of slavery and as proof as to why slavery should be ended. Have a catchy introduction, persuasive and supporting arguments for why slavery is wrong and should be ended, and a moving, memorable conclusion

Question

 • Should be one page written and approximately 2-3 minutes long when delivered(Time yourself)

• Must be written in the voice of an abolitionist in 1860 (Remember that you should NOT use racial slurs, however, even those would have been utilized at the time.) 

• Must include accurate information regarding the institution of slavery as experienced by Frederick Douglass. You should also include additional information, thoughts, and commentary on slavery not found in your excerpt 

• Be persuasive, realistic, and creative.

Answer 1

A Call to Conscience: An Abolitionist's Plea Against the Cruelty of Slavery

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed citizens of this great republic,

As I stand before you today, I am compelled to address an injustice that stains the very soul of our nation—a deep and malignant wound that festers beneath our pride. Our founding fathers envisioned a land where liberty reigned, where every man, woman, and child could aspire to the sanctity of freedom. Yet, here we are in the year 1860, a time when the horror of human bondage continues to thrive in the shadows of our democracy. We must ask ourselves: how can we claim to be a beacon of liberty while millions languish in the shackles of slavery?

Let us consider the words of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who bore witness to the unspeakable atrocities of enslavement. He described how the lash was not merely a tool of discipline but a weapon of subjugation—crafted with the intention to break the spirit of the enslaved. The blood that stained the soil of our cherished land was not merely that of cattle; it was the blood of human beings, beings made in the image of our Creator. Douglass cried out against the “bloody reality” of slavery; he pointed out its profound moral depravity—a crime not just against the oppressed, but against humanity as a whole.

The horrors of slavery extend far beyond the mere physical torment of the body. Slavery is a systematic denial of education and enlightenment—a deliberate suppression of the mind and soul. An enslaved person is denied not only their independence but also their very identity. Frederick Douglass himself, in his own journey from bondage to freedom, proves that knowledge is the key to emancipation. For it is through education that one can shatter the chains of ignorance and rise above subjugation.

It is imperative we recognize that the institution of slavery corrupts every aspect of society. It breeds violence, not only against the enslaved but also among those who wield the whip. It fosters a culture of dehumanization—teaching men to see their brothers as mere cargo, a practice antithetical to the teachings of Christ and the very principles upon which our nation was founded. Our economy, if built upon the backs of the oppressed, is a house built on sand, set to collapse under the weight of injustice and moral bankruptcy.

Many will assert that slavery is integral to our economy—an argument grounded in ignorance and a lack of vision. Our nation stands at a crossroads: we can either continue down the path of moral decay or we can embrace a brighter, more equitable future where all are afforded the blessings of liberty. The industries of freedom are stronger, more innovative, and moral. We can prosper without the shackles of slavery; just look to the buoyancy of free labor that champions dignity and respect rather than degradation.

In closing, I implore you to listen not to the whispers of fear that seek to justify the unjust but to your own conscience. Imagine a world where we hand our children a legacy unmarred by the stain of slavery—a legacy that reflects our highest ideals rather than our deepest failures. We must rise as one people, emboldened by our vision of justice, to declare with one voice: we shall no longer tolerate the heart-wrenching cruelty of slavery. Let us banish this blight from our shores, from our hearts, and from our policies, for all humanity, and walk proudly into the dawn of a new era—an era where freedom reigns supreme for all.

Thank you.