Image of an American: Frederick Douglass & the Right to Vote

Short documentaries

Director: Ann Hartley

Length: 18 minutes

  • Excellence in Filmmaking, Short Documentary

Upon the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, many Americans thought that slavery had been abolished once and for all. Frederick Douglass, however, argued that “slavery is not abolished until the black man has the ballot.” His fight to secure the vote transformed not only the Constitution, but what it meant to be an American. This film explores Frederick Douglass’ journey to ensure African-Americans have the right to vote through the creation of the Fifteenth Amendment.

You may view this movie here.