Staff report
The great-granddaughter of John W. Thompson, who proposed what would become the iconic statue of Frederick Douglass, received a proclamation from the city during ceremonies honoring the 122nd dedication of the monument.
“I am so excited, so proud of him,” said Cheryl Moore, who represented the family and received a copy of the proclamation from Mayor Lovely Warren at the ceremony June 9.
Thompson began his effort in 1894 as a way to honor Black soldiers and sailors who died in the Civil War.
After Douglass’ death in 1895, Thompson changed the focus to honor the abolitionist and former slave.
Thompson’s account, An Authentic History of the Douglass Monument, is at www.libraryweb.org/~digitized/books/History_Douglass_Monument.pdf
The event at the corner of South Avenue and Robinson Drive was sponsored by the Friends of Frederick Douglass and included a recitation of the history of the monument, other speeches and music.
Here are some scenes from the event:
