Abstract
Frederick Douglass’ autobiographical1 statement of slavery, a classic in its own right, represents one method of approach in the history of
Afro-Americans’ freedom struggle. It is a strand in their complex and diverse moral history. A critical analysis of it serves two purposes for this discussion: 1) It demonstrates that Afro-American consciousness has never been homogenized about any particular method of liberation. Instead, the moral history of slaves suggests diverse understandings about what constituted appropriate methods of liberation. 2) It contributes theoretical elements that suggest a more inclusive interpretation of the history of Afro-American morality. This study, perhaps, will contribute to a scholarly method of interpretation that identifies methodology that is indigenous to Afro-American materials. It challenges, in particular, theologians, and social ethicists to re-examine the primary sources for interpretation. Most students of the literature will agree that the Afro-American religious imagination has richly influenced the social, political and economic facets of American life. No scholarly effort as of yet has constructively interpreted the history of Afro-American morality. This discussion is an initial contribution to that rigorous task.