In the autobiography, " How I Learned to Read and Write " (1845), the author, Fredrick Douglas, describes his journey on learning how to read and write. Douglas explains, starting from the beginning of learning to read to learning to write the alphabet. Douglas emphasizes his determination to learn how to read and write in order to show the importance of literacy . Douglas shares his personal experience, with the audience target being African Americans and Caucasian readers. This reading made us feel extreme gratitude towards our race and our culture. During the time, while Douglas was a slave, African Americans learning to read and write was looked down upon. Slave owners wanted to keep the slaves physically strong, but mentally weak. The fact that Douglas was willing to take such a risk to learn something shows his determination and compassion. Like our group member's grandfather, in like manner, who left home at the age of 12 to raise his special nee