Both of these man had an opportunity that was very rare, if not impossible, for those around them especially in the African-American community. Although, they come from two different centuries (19th and 20th century) there communities still share something very much in common.  The black community in the tie period of Grant Wiggins are no longer slaves by law but psychologically and economically they still depend and have to submit to the Whites to survive. Almost 100 years have past and their people have still not been able to break free.

Frederick Douglass writes: “The more I read, the more I was led to abhor and detest slavery, and my enslavers… As I writhed under the sting and torment of this knowledge, I almost envied my fellow slaves their stupid contentment. This knowledge opened my eyes to the horrible pit, and revealed the teeth of the frightful dragon that was ready to pounce upon me”

Frederick Douglass is so important to this passage and many we have read because it shows us how education and knowledge is so powerful in showing us the world in a new way! Grant finds this out first hand. Wiggins, a man from a community that has had to submit to the whites, is finally able to realize just how bad the situation is. He shares the same emotions as Douglass when he says he envies his fellow slaves for being content and accepting of the position they were in. Both these men are trying to challenge the norm for the advancement of their people. Frederick Douglass is determined to make this happen by moving north and joining the abolitionist movement and Grant does this by trying to teach his students that there is something more ahead than just working in the plantations.

This would not have been possible without first finding the knowledge they need to show them there true circumstances.