Becoming Frederick Douglass

The young, rebellious Douglass is sent to the brutal “slave breaker,” Edward Covey. Refusing to be broken, Douglass emerges even more determined to escape into freedom. Becoming Frederick Douglass is produced and directed by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London and features Wendell Pierce as the voice of Douglass.

In Massachusetts, Douglass meets abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and uses his brilliant oratorical skills to speak out against slavery — becoming the most famous Black man of his time. Becoming Frederick Douglass is produced and directed by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London and features Wendell Pierce as the voice of Douglass.

The passage of the Fugitive Slave Law empowers the government — and everyday “slave catchers” — to recapture any previously enslaved people and return them to their former enslavers. Becoming Frederick Douglass is produced and directed by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London and features Wendell Pierce as the voice of Douglass.

Using Frederick Douglass’ own words, this documentary film tells the story of how a man born and raised in slavery became one of the most prominent elder statesmen and powerful voices for freedom in America.