Can you please explain this(Simple):
"I took right of the cause. I could do but little...I did with a joyful heart, and never felt happier than when in an anti-slavery meeting...But, while attending an anti-slavery convection at Nantucket, on 11th of August,1841, I felt strongly moved to speak...The truth was, I felt myself a slave, and the idea of speaking to white people weighed me down. I spoke but a few moments, when I felt a degree of freedom, and said what I desired with considerable ease.From that time until now, I have been engaged in pleading the case of my brethren."
Take it one sentence at a time.
"I took right of the cause.
I could do but little...I did with a joyful heart, and never felt happier than when in an anti-slavery meeting...
But, while attending an anti-slavery convection at Nantucket, on 11th of August,1841, I felt strongly moved to speak...
The truth was, I felt myself a slave, and the idea of speaking to white people weighed me down.
I spoke but a few moments, when I felt a degree of freedom, and said what I desired with considerable ease.
From that time until now, I have been engaged in pleading the case of my brethren."
What sentence or words don't you understand?
I know what its telling me, but I don't know how to say this differently
The passage you provided is a quote from Frederick Douglass, a prominent African-American abolitionist and writer. In this excerpt, Douglass talks about his journey in the anti-slavery movement and his initial hesitation to speak publicly about his experiences as a slave.
Douglass mentions that he initially participated in the abolitionist cause by doing what little he could, presumably supporting and advocating for the rights and freedom of enslaved people in some capacity. He explains that he found great personal happiness and fulfillment when attending anti-slavery meetings, as it aligned with his beliefs and values.
However, Douglass recalls a specific incident during an anti-slavery convention in Nantucket where he felt a strong urge to speak out. He admits that, at that time, he still saw himself as a slave and felt weighed down by the idea of addressing a predominantly white audience. Nevertheless, he mustered the courage to speak for a short period and experienced a newfound sense of freedom. He expressed his thoughts with ease and clarity.
Following this transformative event, Douglass dedicated his life to speaking out against slavery and advocating for the rights of his fellow African-Americans. He describes himself as "engaged in pleading the case" of his brethren, meaning he committed himself to fighting for the freedom and equality of enslaved people.
In summary, this passage highlights the personal journey of Frederick Douglass in the anti-slavery movement, from initially feeling hesitant to speak due to his own experiences as a slave to finding his voice and becoming a powerful advocate for equality and justice.