Press Release
This Wednesday, February 14th, will be marked in the state with the proclamation of Frederick Douglass Day. Celebrated on Douglass’ chosen birthday, Senator Mark Montigny was the one who championed legislation to honor the important abolitionist. His law now calls for an annual proclamation in honor of Douglass.
The New Bedford Senator has long been a proponent of memorializing the impact of Douglass, both in the State House and in New Bedford. When the Senate chamber in the State House was under repair, Senator Montigny was one of the senators who pushed for Douglass’s words to be placed in the chamber to offer inspiration and guidance to the deliberations.
The quote “Truth, justice, liberty, and humanity will ultimately prevail”, from Douglass, now graces the ceiling of the chamber. He is also appreciative to the Senate President for her efforts to have a bust of Douglass placed in the chamber.
“The life and work of Frederick Douglass is an inspiration to anyone who works to better the world. His impassioned arguments for the cause of freedom and against slavery are an important part of our nation’s history that deserves to be recognized”, said Senator Montigny. “We are fortunate to be able to look back at his life for wisdom and leadership.”
On September 17, 1838, Frederick Douglass arrived in New Bedford, Massachusetts alongside his wife Anna. Douglass had escaped slavery in Maryland and had already changed his surname twice to evade capture. At the time of his arrival, New Bedford was home to more black residents than anywhere in Massachusetts outside of Boston. At about 20 years old, Douglass had no formal education, yet he could read and write. New Bedford was a wealthy town where one could buy an array of “Free Labor Goods” like sugar, coffee, and candy produced without slave labor. A fact that expanded and energized his ideas of what might be possible.
Here Douglass encountered thriving businesses owned by people of color and was able to earn his first-ever income. He was introduced to other influential abolitionists and their ideas, New Bedford’s involvement in the Underground Railroad making it a hotspot for like-minded individuals.
The profound impact of New Bedford is evident in his life work, even as he moved away and travelled around the country and the world speaking out against slavery. It is where he became an avid reader and powerful speaker, launching his famed, life-long abolitionist work.
Montigny has also secured significant funding for the New Bedford Historical Society to promote Douglass’ life and legacy. In turn, the Society has preserved the Nathan and Polly Johnson House and enabled the development of the new Abolition Row Park just across the street from the Johnson Home.
To learn more about the New Bedford Historical Society, the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, and Abolitio Row Park, visit https://nbhistoricalsociety.org
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