For many years, the left has positioned itself as the protector of black Americans’ interests. There is one message that sets the record straight and threatens this control – the liberty message of Frederick Douglass.
Douglass' liberty message disrupts the left’s longstanding monopoly over black Americans, helping blacks see that they don’t have to depend on the government to succeed. Unlike the victimhood narrative pushed by the left, Douglass’ principles of self-reliance, the limited power of government, personal responsibility, and economic prosperity provide a path to true freedom.
Douglass did not believe in waiting for the government to hand out success. He taught that education and self-improvement were the keys to a better life.
The Power of Douglass’ Liberty Message
Douglass was born into slavery and became America’s greatest voice for liberty, self-determination and constitutional principles. The quintessential American Dream story, Douglass’ liberty message directly opposes the progressive agenda, which is rooted in an oppression narrative.
Instead of telling black Americans they are powerful and more than conquerors, the left teaches that racism is so strong that success is impossible.
If blacks began to embrace Douglass’ belief that they are architects of their own destiny, the left would lose its grip.
Why the Left Needs to Control the Black Vote
For the left, winning the black vote is not optional – it’s essential. In every election, they rely on securing at least 85-90% of black votes to stay in power. If even 15-20% of black voters shift toward conservative candidates, it would collapse the left’s stronghold.
Douglass’ liberty message does not tell people to vote for a certain party. Instead, it teaches principles like liberty and personal responsibility – values that align more with conservatism than progressivism. Once blacks recognize this, they will begin reconsidering their loyalty to the left.
How the Left Tries to Silence Douglass’ Liberty Message
Since progressives cannot win a debate on principles, they resort to censorship and race-baiting to silence Douglass’ liberty message by:
1. Shaming Conservatives
When someone supports conservative ideas, they are labeled a racist. Terms like “Uncle Tom” or “sellout” are used to shame blacks, deterring other blacks from thinking for themselves.
2. Censorship in Education
Schools emphasize victimhood and systemic oppression while ignoring Douglass’ self-reliance message. Rather than empowering black students with the belief that they can overcome any challenge, they are told that racism is an unbeatable force holding them back.
3. Government Dependency
Programs like welfare, affirmative action, and reparations are pushed as the only solutions for black success. These policies create long-term dependency rather than true economic empowerment. The left needs black Americans dependent on government.
4. Attacking Policies That Promote Liberty
Policies that encourage parental school choice and economic prosperity – all values Douglass supported – are painted as “racist” by the mainstream media. Why? Because these policies free people from government control.
The Growing Shift Among Black Americans
Despite the left’s attempts to suppress Douglass’ liberty message, foundational cracks are appearing, and more black Americans are questioning their automatic loyalty to liberal candidates.
Polls show an increase in black support for candidates who espouse the life-empowering values of free speech, respect for the Constitution, economic prosperity, personal responsibility, and faith in God.
Young black entrepreneurs are rejecting progressive economic policies that harm small businesses.
The demand for parental school choice is rising as parents see the failure of government-run schools.
More black Americans are adopting the political identity of a “Frederick Douglass Republican™.” It empowers them to overcome pushback and become effective ambassadors of Douglass’ liberty message.
Douglass’ liberty message gives black Americans a new way to think about politics. It shifts the conversation from race and oppression to values and empowerment. That is why the left fears it – because it liberates minds.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we should remember Douglass not just as a hero from the past, but as a role model for real freedom, hard work, and success – values that help people grow stronger and unite America.
To contact KCarl or request a speaking engagement, go to www.kcarlinc.com.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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