A Glorious Liberty: Frederick Douglass and the Fight for an Antislavery Constitution

In "A Glorious Liberty: Frederick Douglass and the Fight for an Antislavery Constitution," the reader is transported back to a pivotal era where the very soul of America was contested. Published in 2023 and honored as a 2021 Choice Outstanding Academic Title, this compelling narrative by Damon Root explores how Frederick Douglass, once a slave who clandestinely learned to read, rose to become a monumental figure in the fight for racial justice and voting rights. Amidst the turmoil of a nation divided, Douglass championed the principles of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, advocating tirelessly for inalienable rights for all, irrespective of race. His rallying cry for an "Abolition war" and "Abolition peace" echoed beyond the battlefields, influencing the post-Civil War era's struggles against the oppressive Jim Crow laws. Recommended for middle-school readers, this book not only sheds light on Douglass's transformative impact on American history but also prompts young readers to reflect on the ongoing relevance of these constitutional debates in today's social justice landscape.