Newburgh Celebrates Anniversary of Douglass Visit

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – The potency of his relevance, especially right now, seems almost surreal. It was definitely a tangible force last Tuesday evening in the City of Newburgh.

Here, at 105 Ann Street, on the ADS Warehouse grounds, over 150 people gathered to pay tribute to a historical legend, one who markedly left his imprint of justice and unity on the City of Newburgh 150 years ago. The year was 1870, and Frederick Douglass was making his way through the Hudson Valley region, delivering powerful words while endorsing the ratification of the 15th Amendment, the right for African-Americans to vote. On August 11 of that same year, he appeared in Newburgh, reciting his speech on the criticalness of voting at the former Opera House locale on Broadway. His powerful words resonated with the large crowd, ultimately prompting much needed change. The symbolic Newburgh backdrop of that journey continues to remain special to many who now reside here.

“There is such a rich history here in Newburgh we should all celebrate; Frederick Douglas is a big part of that, such a prolific speaker who really cared about women, voting and much more,” explained Naomi Hersson-Ringskog, co-organizer of the 150 Anniversary event. “His lessons are timeless, and this celebration is just the beginning of what we are now hoping people will see is the rediscovery with and reconnection to Frederick Douglass happenings here in Newburgh.”

That process has already been in early stage motion for about two years prior to Tuesday’s culminating gathering, which included a mesmerizing mural unveiling of Douglass by local artist Vernon Byron, speech reenactment by actor Oliver King, as well as official Proclamation of Frederick Douglass Day on August 11 by City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrance Harvey. The buildup of Douglass’ Newburgh connection included 22 barbershop conversations, a Newburgh Barbershop Photo Exhibit, Children’s Reading Service as well as Douglass narrative book discussion, among other events. Multiple organizations were involved in the diligent venture, setting the stage for Tuesday, and intended to continue-gain momentum for some time to come.

“African-American history is usually not talked about, overlooked; it’s so important that we keep it alive here in Newburgh,” said Douglass Anniversary event co-organizer, Gabrielle Hill. “I grew up with my father reading The Evening News to me every night; literacy is also so important, and a big part of both is making Douglass part of the discussion, bringing him to the table.”

Douglass’ presence was very much “at the table” during the Anniversary gathering. Behind the main podium hung a huge, newly unveiled mural containing four headshots of Douglass at varying stages of his life. Its artist, Byron of New Windsor, who works on his art at his Newburgh-based Watershed Studios and will feature more of his pieces at next month’s Open Studios in the City, provided a statement at the event. He stressed the three parts of the piece: Background of Washington Street (past), four images of Douglass (present), and the Douglass quote: ”Without a struggle, there is no progress” (future.) He also talked about another of the mural’s catalysts, involving some recent, emotionally-charged, transformative protests in the name of justice.

“I thought about the status of the way things are now in this country, and then I reflected on how it is still so much related to what happened in the past,” explained Byron about his inspiration for creating the 17 ft. x 11 ft. vinyl banner that now blankets part of the ADS Warehouse. “It’s my sincere hope that the people of Newburgh view it, and they themselves become pioneers for justice.”

Following Byron was a riveting reenactment of Douglass’ verbatim, Newburgh speech on voting equality by Oliver. Filled with emotion and conviction, it left attendees spellbound. Mayor Harvey then made the day official, proclaiming August 11 officially Frederick Douglass Day, honoring the dynamic figure’s visit to the City of Newburgh.

“We must continue to face history,” affirmed Harvey. “It is our passport to the future.”
To keep up with the latest happenings with the Frederick Douglass in Newburgh Project, log onto:  bit.ly/DouglassinNB or email: FrederickDouglass@gmail.com.