The famous African-American abolitionist and orator known for his speeches was Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped and became a prominent figure in the fight against slavery in the United States. His powerful oratory skills and eloquent writings, including his autobiographies, highlighted the inhumanity of slavery and promoted the cause of abolition and civil rights. Douglass advocated for equal rights not just for African Americans but also for women, linking the struggles for civil liberties. His activism and contributions played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the abolitionist movement leading up to the Civil War.