My ancestors changed the lives of slaves in the US
Nettie Washington Douglass’s ancestors were born into slavery, but became pivotal in the emancipation and education of African Americans.
Nettie Washington Douglass tells Anu Anand what it's like to carry the names and bloodlines of two African-Americans who were born into slavery but famously devoted their lives to fighting it, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nettie descends from pioneering educator Booker T Washington and the abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass. Her influential ancestors inspired her to raise awareness about modern-day slavery by setting up the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives.
Presenter: Anu Anand
Producer: Deiniol Buxton
Picture: Nettie Washington Douglass
Credit: Hilary Schwab Photography
Podcast
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The Outlook Podcast Archive
True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives
