Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned abolitionist leader, played a significant role in influencing Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Douglass had been advocating for emancipation since the beginning of the Civil War, arguing that it was both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. He met with Lincoln several times, urging him to make abolition an explicit war aim and to allow Black men to serve in the Union Army. Douglass used his powerful oratory skills and his newspaper, the "North Star," to build public support for emancipation. He also helped shift Northern public opinion by framing the war as a fight against slavery rather than just to preserve the Union. While Lincoln was initially hesitant to make such a bold move, Douglass's persistent advocacy, along with military and political considerations, helped push the president towards issuing the proclamation. After its release, Douglass continued to press Lincoln to fully implement the proclamation and to push for complete abolition of slavery. His influence extended beyond the proclamation itself, as he later helped recruit Black soldiers for the Union Army, furthering the cause of freedom and equality.