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Born in February of 1817 in Tuckahoe, Maryland was one of America’s greatest Negro leaders of all time. Frederick Douglass once said, “It is something to couple one’s name with great occasions, and it was a great thing to me to be permitted to bear some humble part in this, the greatest that had come thus far to the American people” (Washington, 15). Born into slavery, Douglass never quite understood the actual definition of a slave until later in life while living on his Master Hugh’s plantation. The amazing story of Frederick Douglass developing into an outstanding abolitionist leader would not have become so without his experience as the typical slave. Douglass was chiefly raised by his grandmother, his mother living on a different plantation than he. The only time he came in contact with his mother, Harriet Bailey, was during the late hours of the night whenever she would sneak over. She fell asleep with Douglass, but he only awakened to find her gone early the next morning. Harriet Bailey’s death was not brought to Douglass’ attention immediately. He was seven years of age and he was “not allowed to be present during her illness, at her death, or burial” (Douglass, 2). Since it was not brought to