Believe in yourself . . .

A birthday salute to Frederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, February 14[?], 1818 – February 20, 1895), author, statesman, lecturer and reformer. He was known as "The Sage of Anacostia" and "The Lion of Anacostia".

He wrote three autobiographies during his life-time: A Narrative on the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845), My Bondage and My Freedom (1855), and Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (1881).

"Once you learn to read, you will forever be free."
- Frederick Douglass

"No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck."
- Frederick Douglass

"When men sow the wind it is rational to expect that they will reap the whirlwind."
- Frederick Douglass

"What is possible for me is possible for you."
- Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass sought to embody three keys for success in life: The first key is to believe in yourself, the second key is to take advantage of every opportunity and the third key is to use the power of spoken/written language to effect positive change for yourself and society. (source)
Douglass image source (1)