C). The United States needs to grant its black population freedom and equality.
Explanation:
The central idea is illustrated as the main dominating idea that is central to the plot and surrounds the entire story. It primarily functions to unify the different elements of the plot together.
In the given excerpt from Frederick Douglass' "The Destiny of Colored Americans" reflects the central idea that 'the US needs to grant its black population with the rights of liberty and equality' as it is the major idea that dominates the passage throughout. It is reflected by Douglass' recurring descriptions that imply that 'the white man’s happiness cannot be purchased by the black man’s misery' and author urges that 'white and black "must fall or flourish together'.
The author suggests that the blacks too should be granted the rights of 'equality and liberty' so, they also would be able to contribute to the nation's growth which they(Americans) are wasting very year in a fit of their pride and folly'. Thus, <u>option C</u> is the correct answer.
