The 1619 Project, Frederick Douglass, and the American Founding

The 1619 Project

• Published by The New York Times in 2019.
• Creator: Nicole Hannah-Jones.
• Award: Won a Pulitzer Prize.
• Main Argument:
  • The U.S. Constitution is a decidedly undemocratic document.
  • Anti-Black racism is fundamental to the country's DNA.
  • The U.S. was founded as a slavocracy rather than a democracy.
  • Reframes U.S. history by marking 1619 (arrival of first enslaved Africans) as the foundational date.
• High School Curriculum: Adapted into educational material for schools.
• Debate: Faced criticism from five eminent historians.
• Response: Editor reiterated that advances for minority groups often come from African American-led struggles rather than the Constitution's logic.

Frederick Douglass' Perspective

• Contrasting View: Different from the perspective offered by the 1619 Project.
• Biography:
  • Escaped slave, abolitionist, author, and major figure in American history.
  • Described the Constitution as a "glorious liberty document."
• Main Argument:
  • Although there is a gap between America's principles and actions, the principles themselves are sound.
  • Slavery is incompatible with principles like habeas corpus, due process, and the right to bear arms.
• Beliefs:
  • Classical liberalism focused on individual rights and economic freedom.
  • Advocated for self-ownership and property rights.
  • Supported women's suffrage and attended the Seneca Falls Convention.
• Intellectual Adversaries:
  • George Fitzhugh, slavery apologist, who repudiated liberal principles.
• Experience: Douglass highlighted the significance of earning his first free dollar as a defining moment.
• Women’s Rights:
  • Advocated for women’s suffrage alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
  • Attended Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.
  • Continued to fight for women's rights until his death.

Modern Relevance

• Damon Root’s Book: A Glorious Liberty, Frederick Douglass and the Fight for an Anti-Slavery Constitution.
• Themes Replaying: The 19th-century debates over racism and the founding are relevant today.
• Douglass’ Lessons:
  • Rights for one are rights for all.
  • Ending slavery benefitted the entire country, not just African Americans.
  • Advocacy for mutual respect, empathy, and individualism.
  • Emphasizes that acknowledging slavery and African American contributions does not require redefining the nation’s founding date.

Conclusion

• Frederick Douglass' Example: His life and views on the Constitution provide a valuable framework for addressing modern issues of racial and ethnic division.
• Core Message: Upholding the Constitution's ideals of freedom and equality is essential, and Douglass' insights remain profoundly relevant.