Part 2/11:
Although he never used a smartphone or social media, Frederick Douglass exemplifies the essence of the selfie as a tool for self-empowerment and social change. As the most photographed American of the 19th century—more than presidents Lincoln and Grant—Douglass understood the importance of controlling how he was represented. His images were carefully staged, always emphasizing dignity, intelligence, and strength. In photos where he gazed directly into the camera with steely determination, Douglass conveyed a compelling message: he was a man worthy of freedom and citizenship.