The famous abolitionist who escaped from slavery and became a prominent leader in the fight for emancipation was Frederick Douglass.

Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass escaped at the age of 20 and dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of African Americans and the abolition of slavery. He became a powerful orator and writer, publishing his autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," which detailed his experiences. Douglass worked closely with key figures in the abolitionist movement and was instrumental in shaping public opinion against slavery, influencing the course of American history.