Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) continues to celebrate famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ 203rd birthday.
Douglass was a longtime District resident and an avid proponent of equal rights for D.C. residents.
A 2013 Norton bill placed a statue of Douglass in the U.S. Capitol to represent the District, making D.C. the only jurisdiction that is not a state with a statue in the Capitol. A 2017 Norton bill established a bicentennial commission to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities to honor and celebrate the life of Douglass.
Norton was appointed by then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to serve on the commission.
“Frederick Douglass holds a special place in our country and in the hearts of D.C. residents, who chose his statue to represent the District in the Capitol,” Norton said. “This great American statesman, the country’s foremost abolitionist, knew where he lived and lent his great renown to equality and freedom for our city and its residents. His historic home in southeast D.C., Cedar Hill is a National Historic Site and reminds residents and thousands of tourists annually of Douglass’ many contributions and achievements.”
