Fourth Annual Frederick Douglass Day Honors Legacy

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – It’s been 167 years since Frederick Douglass addressed a crowd of around 4,000 people at Poughkeepsie’s College Hill Park. Saturday, an outpouring of people returned to that same spot to celebrate a man whose articulate, incisive words and universal appeals for equality and justice continue to resonate.

Once again, for the fourth year, the City of Poughkeepsie celebrated the man who overcame the cruelties of slavery, combating their injustices with education and perseverance, going on to free himself as well as carve out an enduring role as an abolitionist, symbolizing brimming pride and success in the Black community. Taking place on a stage draped with posters marking the details of Douglass’ indelible footprint all over the world, the multifaceted three hour event, rippled with local significance. Guests could clearly envision Douglass- at that exact idyllic, Hudson Valley spot- deftly delivering his British “Emancipation Day” remarks, warning the thousands on hand of the very tangible dangers of slavery still plaguing America. Despite the passage of many years, those timeless words continue to be heard.

“Today we celebrate a man who was a writer, an advocate for equality, someone who would go against injustices,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor, Yvonne Flowers. “It is such an honor that a man of that stature was here at this park; we have to come together to fight for those injustices, and we have a blueprint from Douglass to do that.”

That foundation has been built upon by the event’s host, Celebrating the African Spirit, a group committed to keeping the vibrancy, accomplishments and talents of the Black community alive through discussions, community gatherings and other platforms. Founded by Carmen McGill and Katherine Hite, the group is a bedrock piece in continuing the critical work Douglass initiated in the City of Poughkeepsie.

“Say their names,” affirmed McGill as a litany of members of the Black community, spanning the nation, who were not served justice were read off. “Let us work for their justices; it takes a lot of work, especially with the political climate we are facing.”

That challenging and arduous work is being done by Celebrating the African Spirit with the youth. Attending a summer program, seven of the students presented work on their research. Revealing detailed, creatively crafted posters to the crowd, the high school youth elaborated upon their topics, including; redlining, gun and gang violence, support for underachieving students, Black Panthers, John Lewis and the NAACP.

“It really hit me hard to learn some of the things in my research,” said one student.
“We just never got to learn about these kinds of things in school” added another about his NAACP findings.

The students were also personally presented with signed copies of Frederick Douglass books from his great-great grandson, Kevin Douglass Green, who strove to make the moment as inclusive as possible.

“I wanted the students to share this occasion with their mentors,” said Green, who called up the summer program contributors who guided the youth to the stage, as he handed each member a book and shook his or her hand, reminding them of their power to lead and create change. “Frederick Douglass represented all people; he came here with a purpose and knew his words had meaning and would ruffle feathers.” Green added as he addressed the audience, “I really appreciate- as a family member- your remembering Frederick; I now challenge you to continue to pour into your young people and spread his message.”

In addition to uplifting singing numbers by Souls United, drumming by P’Town Beats and energized youth dancing entertainment delivered by Energy Dance Company as well as a complimentary lunch provided by Akbar’s, the afternoon also included another tribute to Douglass, the official unveiling of the “Frederick Douglass Way.” Further, a sign bearing the words “Bolin Oval,” paying tribute to Janet Bolin, the first African American judge in the United States who lived at the bottom of College Hill as well as her father, Gaius Bolin, who practiced law in Poughkeepsie and bore the distinction of the first African-American President of the Dutchess County Bar Association., was also revealed. The street signs, occupying both leading road entrances to the Park, pay further testament to the well-deserved accolades of these prominent black historical figures whose local, indelible footprints of timeless influence are undeniable. They will serve as potent links, tying the past to the present.

“Historical signs in public places transform a simple visit into an educational and enriching experience, creating a lasting impression between people and the local historic site,” said Ondie James, Councilwoman for the 5th Ward in the City of Poughkeepsie. “These types of events (Frederick Douglass Day) are absolutely essential, honoring the legacy of trailblazers, pioneers, legends and iconic black leaders that made historical contributions for all.”

Also hosting Frederick Douglass Day was The Revive College Park Coalition, whose founders are Nancy Foster and Gladys Lyles and Mass Design Organization Principal, Christopher Kroner. The City of Poughkeepsie Mayor, Administration and Council and Department of Public Works all supported the critical venue which has evolved into a cornerstone, much-anticipated and treasured community learning and bonding opportunity, filling participants with pride and joy for their City.