House of Representatives Passes Bill Honoring Frederick Douglass

News Staff : Oct 16, 2017
Congress.gov

As we approach the bicentennial of Douglass' birth, all Americans should learn more about his work as an abolitionist and his lasting influence on our nation's culture...

(Washington, DC)—[Congress.gov] On Wednesday, October 11, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2989, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act.  Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is an original cosponsor of H.R. 2989, and released the following statement lauding its passage: (Image: Frederick Douglass/via azgovernor.gov)

"I commend my colleagues in the House for passing the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act today. In September, I had the privilege of visiting Wye House, a plantation on Maryland's Eastern Shore where Frederick Douglass spent part of his childhood. It was truly incredible to learn more about the history of Frederick Douglass and the other enslaved peoples of Wye House, and to explore the origins of modern African American heritage and culture.

"As we approach the bicentennial of Douglass' birth, all Americans should learn more about his work as an abolitionist and his lasting influence on our nation's culture, as I did at Wye House. The commission established by this legislation will determine the best ways to honor this great American hero, and his fight for freedom and equality."