Frederick Douglass Day Honors Historic Speech

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – August 11 is a date that powerfully resonates in Newburgh.

On this day, 151 years ago, the world-known abolitionist and articulate leader, Frederick Douglass, emphatically gave a speech, paying tribute to the recently ratified 15th Amendment, allowing African-American men the elusive right to vote. A Jubilee March, laden with close to 4000 visitors, further etched this momentous occasion. Last year, in 2020 the 150th Anniversary of that riveting speech was marked by the First Annual Frederick Douglass in Newburgh Day. Further, August 11 was officially proclaimed a day in Newburgh celebrating the lasting footprint Douglass made-both for voter rights and civil engagement- here in the Hudson Valley as well as all over the world.

Last Wednesday, an intimate crowd gathered at Tyrone Crabb Memorial Park in the City of Newburgh to continue that new tradition for the second year. Community members of all ages came together to honor the man who was born into slavery, self taught himself to read and write, while overcoming a host of obstacles and transforming our nation forever.

“I heard about this event from someone at my school and immediately became interested in attending,” said Tory Shropshire, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy, who spoke about Douglass’ impact at Wednesday’s ceremony. “I knew a little about Frederick Douglass, but wanted to learn much more because in school they don’t teach too much about him; I learned a great deal tonight.”

One of the catalysts for Shropshire’s newfound knowledge was the potent 20 minute performance, actor Oliver King provided. Dressed in formal, late 19th Century attire, the poised King held the audience spellbound, as he potently delivered pieces of Douglass’ original, over two hour speech, first given in the exact same City of Newburgh locale.

“The real problem is not government, but the relations between our people,” affirmed King, taking on the Douglass persona. “Absolute equality is the only answer.”

Clearly enunciating every word (Douglass was a lover of language), while surveying his surroundings and passionately gesturing, King continued, “When we are governed by race and pride, and not wisdom and patriotism, it leads to dangerous seeds of discontent.”

As King concluded selected excerpts of the famous speech, optimism surfaced. “Prejudice is full of ignorance,” affirmed King. “But, it will disappear with enlightenment.”

Following King’s performance, guests shared the “pearls” of the speech that most affected them. Many spoke of the timeless nature of Douglass’ insights; while others pondered what thoughts he would deliver on the state of affairs of our world today. All in attendance were impressed by the man who left an indelible footprint on so many, including King himself.

“I really love his (Douglass’) knowledge of literature; he could not stop reading everything he got his hands on (all of Shakespeare’s plays of the time, every encyclopedia, the dictionary, and Bible); as a result, his language is absolutely beautiful, and very few of his contemporaries were as articulate as he was,” said King. “I feel a real connection to him and all that he stood for which makes it so much easier to portray him.”

Not only did King ardently enjoy making Douglass’ image come alive at Tyrone Crabb Memorial Park, so too did all those who witnessed his living history “resurrection” appreciate the couple of hours dedicated to his unforgettable legacy that continues to be felt to this day.

“I see us wanting to uncover our truth about our African-American history,” said Gabrielle Hill, a community organizer and a member of the Frederick Douglass in Newburgh Project.

“I believe the more we know about our history, the more we begin to trust and can have the society that Frederick Douglass so eloquently spoke of.”

To stay up with the latest happenings on Douglass as well as the details on next year’s celebration, follow the Frederick Douglass in Newburgh Project at: bit.ly/DouglassinNB or email: FrederickDouglassNB@gmail.com #frederickdouglassnb.