Celebrating Frederick Douglass

During Black History Month our community would be remiss if we did not recognize and acknowledge the life and work of one of its most notable citizens, Frederick Douglass. Rochester can take pride not only in the fact that Douglass was its citizen, but also in the fact that yester-year’s reputation of giving aid to escaping slaves on their way to Canada brought him here in the first place.

Did you know that Frederick Douglass chose to live here because we were already deeply involved in efforts to abolish slavery? Many, at their own personal risk, engaged in helping run-away slaves travel the Underground Railroad. Many others, at the time, spoke out against slavery. Douglass chose to live here because he realized this was a place that would support him.

Born in 1818, he was a social reformer for abolition, an orator and a writer. An escaped slave, he became famous after writing his book, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. He avoided possible re-capture by relocating to England for a period of time. When he returned in 1847 he came to Rochester where he began publishing a newsletter, the North Star. In 1877 he was appointed the U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia, becoming the first African American confirmed for a federal appointment by the U.S. Senate. He died in 1895, his life’s work still an inspiration for those seeking social justice.

On February 14, 2021 the name of Frederick Douglass was officially added to the Rochester airport’s title. As a former Airport Director I have been asked my opinion about this name change. So, here’s what I think.

The airport is a major facility where a change can make a difference. Why not celebrate Frederick Douglass by adding his name to the Airport? As a Nation, we continue to struggle with racism and oppression. Rochester has always had social graces and still does. We can re-frame Rochester’s image by acknowledging that change is both necessary and possible. Who better than Frederick Douglass can show us the way at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport?