Frederick Douglass was an influential leader who played a key role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped and became a prominent abolitionist, social reformer, and orator. His powerful speeches and writings, including his autobiographies, eloquently highlighted the injustices of slavery and the importance of human rights. Douglass worked closely with other abolitionists and was instrumental in advocating for the emancipation of enslaved people, contributing significantly to the movement that ultimately led to the abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment in 1865.