Norton to Give Opening Remarks at Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Community Conference, Tomorrow
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will give opening remarks at a special Frederick Douglass Community Conference to help plan and raise awareness for the bicentennial celebration of Douglass' birth tomorrow, Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., at DC Prep's Anacostia Elementary Campus (1409 V St. SE). Norton was appointed by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to serve on the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission, which was established by Norton's bill. Another Norton bill placed a statue of Douglass in the Capitol representing the District of Columbia, making D.C. the only jurisdiction that is not a state with a statue in the Capitol. The bicentennial commission will plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to honor and celebrate the life of Frederick Douglass, the country's greatest slavery abolitionist, during the bicentennial anniversary of his birth, in 2018. Douglass' home at Cedar Hill in Southeast is an official National Historic Site, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
"Frederick Douglass called D.C. home for most of his adult life. I am pleased to offer remarks at the Bicentennial Community Conference, which is already helping D.C. residents prepare to organize a fitting celebration for one of the greatest Americans in history," Norton said. "I look forward to discussing the many ways in which both the District, its residents and the federal government can honor Douglass during the 200th anniversary of his birth."