Which sources would be appropriate to use for an academic essay on Frederick Douglass?

Question

Check all of the boxes that apply.

a free encyclopedia written by anonymous volunteers

a biography of Frederick Douglass from the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

an anonymous blog that provides facts on different topics, including Frederick Douglass

a digital copy of an issue of The North Star, Frederick Douglass’s abolitionist newspaper

an autobiography that Frederick Douglass published in 1845

Answer 1

For an academic essay on Frederick Douglass, the following sources would be appropriate:

• A biography of Frederick Douglass from the Library of Congress in Washington, DC (This is a reputable and authoritative source.)

• A digital copy of an issue of The North Star, Frederick Douglass’s abolitionist newspaper (Primary source material is valuable for academic research.)

• An autobiography that Frederick Douglass published in 1845 (This is also a primary source and offers firsthand insight into Douglass's life and thoughts.)

The other options, such as the free encyclopedia and the anonymous blog, may not be reliable due to issues with credibility and authority.