Hezekiah Ford Douglas facts for kids

Hezekiah Ford Douglas (born in 1831, died November 11, 1865) was an important leader who fought against slavery. He was often known as H. Ford Douglas. He believed that African Americans should move to other countries to find freedom and equality. Douglas was a great speaker, a political organizer, and he even owned a newspaper. During the Civil War, he made history as the only black officer to lead his own army unit.

About H. Ford Douglas

His Early Life

H. Ford Douglas was born into slavery in Virginia around 1831. When he was about 15 years old, he bravely escaped to Cleveland, Ohio. There, he started working as a barber. Even though he never went to a formal school, Douglas taught himself many things. He studied classic books and became very knowledgeable.

Fighting Slavery and Seeking New Homes

In 1850, a new law called the Fugitive Slave Act was passed. This law made it harder for escaped slaves to be truly free. It encouraged Douglas to join many other black abolitionists. Abolitionists were people who wanted to end slavery right away. They also wanted black people to have full equality everywhere.

Douglas became very active in meetings for black communities. He became famous as a speaker against slavery. He started to believe that white Americans would never agree to end slavery. He also thought they would never see black people as their equals. This led him to support the idea of black people moving out of the United States.

In 1856, he became an owner of The Provincial Freeman. This was a newspaper published in Canada. It helped the large black community there, including many who had escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad. Douglas traveled a lot across the U.S. to give anti-slavery speeches. In 1857, he married Sattira "Sattie" Douglas in Wisconsin. They lived in Chicago for several years.

A Civil War Hero

In 1862, Douglas joined the army even though black soldiers were not yet officially allowed. He was part of Company G of the 95th Regiment of Illinois Infantry Volunteers. After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, black people could join the regular army. Douglas then left his first regiment. He went to Louisiana to wait for a new assignment.

During this waiting period, he gave many speeches. He also helped recruit black soldiers for the Union army. Finally, in 1865, he was promoted to Captain. He was put in charge of the Independent Battery, U.S. Colored Light Artillery, at Fort Leavenworth. This made him the only African American to command his own unit during the Civil War.

Sadly, he died on November 11, 1865. He passed away from problems caused by malaria.

His Political Ideas

Douglas strongly supported the emigration movement. This movement encouraged black people to leave the United States. They would move to places like West Africa, Canada, or Central America. He believed this was the best way for them to find true freedom.

He also criticized the U.S. Constitution. He thought it was written in a way that supported slavery from the very beginning. Douglas was also critical of Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party. He felt they were not doing enough to end slavery quickly.