Indignity, Indifference, And The Contemplation Of Freedom

“Man’s greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.”  – Frederick Douglass

Honestly, it’s not something I give much thought to.

The contemplation of freedom.

Like breathing, I guess it’s one of those things I’ve always enjoyed which is probably an underlying reason as to why I simply take it for granted.

On a visit to the city of my birth I made an unscheduled stop to the recently-opened Abolition Row Park in New Bedford. It is a relatively small park with a very big story to tell. Abolition Row Park sits across from two important buildings, both of which have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Both of these buildings played significant roles as stations in the Underground Railroad sheltering escaped Slaves in a city which was an abolitionist haven. It was here in 1838 that Frederick Douglass was able to secure his freedom.

I cannot do the story of Frederick Douglass justice, not in this short format. His was an extraordinary life, his voice as an orator, writer, publisher, and preacher a significant and powerful voice in the abolitionist movement globally.

One of the most striking elements to be found in Abolition Row Park is a statue of Douglass. It’s not a towering sculpture; it’s rather humbling. He is seated upon a spool of rope, eyes cast downward, looking deep in thought. I found myself mesmerized by this image. I thought of all this man had encountered in his life, the struggles and pains, the indignity and indifference, all of which I could never possibly relate to, all of which I could never even begin to fully understand. I thought of his resolve and courage to risk his very life for the very freedom I never even bother to contemplate.

As others continue to this day to struggle to find their own freedom, I ask myself what am I doing with the freedoms that I have so effortlessly been granted by the nature of my birth. What am I doing with the life and voice I’ve been given and the freedom to fully express myself?

Freedom always comes at a price, a price often painfully paid for by those who came before us. In that freedom, a freedom I was given, comes a great responsibility, a responsibility which I was reminded of gazing at the statue of this man who was willing risk so much in order secure his own freedom.

Thank you, Frederick Douglass, for the reminder.

Photo by Hanna Zhyhar on Unsplash