William Lloyd Garrison

William Lloyd Garrison, 1870

Some people called William Lloyd Garrison a fanatic. In some ways, he was one. He was fanatical in courageously voicing an unequivocal stance on abolition and equality for women. As he would say, "Wherever there is a human being, I see God-given rights inherent in that being, whatever may be the sex or complexion." (Wikiquote) 

William didn't start either movement. But he had a gift in how he voiced his opinions. In the words of one biographer about William, "His power of arousing uncontrollable disgust was a gift, like magic." With such a talent, William brought a change of energy to the movements. And for that, many considered him a great man.

But for taking his stances, William experienced many hardships throughout life - criticisms on the lighter side, prison time, and threats to his life on the heavier. Yet, he didn't waver and stayed true to the causes he championed, guided by the direction of his intuition and wisdom. And when he erred, he apologized for his mistakes. 

William's work is well summed by this poem he wrote,

0! not for Afric's sons alone I plead,

Or her descendants; but for all who sigh

In servile chains, whate'er their caste or creed:

They not in vain to Heaven send up their cry;

For all mankind from bondage shall be freed,

And from the earth be chased all forms of tyranny.

The following is William's story.