Frederick Douglass Playground

Amsterdam Ave bet. W. 100 St. and W 102 St.

Manhattan

This playground is named for Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) who was a celebrated African American abolitionist, orator, author, and statesman.

Although literacy among the enslaved was illegal, Frederick developed a passion for the written word and educated himself. After years of abuse and one unsuccessful escape attempt, Frederick managed to escape to New York City in 1838. Douglass became involved in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and preached abolitionism and was enlisted by renowned abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison as an abolitionist lecturer. Douglass wrote an autobiography entitled Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and also served as publisher for the abolitionist periodical North Star.

Discover the history of Frederick Douglass Playground