Honoring Frederick Douglass: Beyond Statues, Into Action
On February 6, 2025, a statue of Frederick Douglass was unveiled at the Hall of Justice in Rochester. Positioned in the atrium, just before visitors pass through security, this tribute will remain on public display for at least a year. It's a powerful symbol of a man whose fight for freedom reshaped not only our city but the entire nation. But as this statue was unveiled during the 7th Judicial District’s Black History Month celebration, it was impossible not to ask: What does it truly mean to honor Douglass today? His legacy demands more than admiration; it calls us to action.
There is value in memorializing historical figures. Statues, plaques, and other tributes help us remember those who shaped our world. But these monuments risk becoming hollow if they simply freeze history in time. Statues can give us the illusion that we’ve done enough by looking back, when, in reality, the past should only inform the present. The danger lies in treating history as something finished, when, in fact, it is ongoing. It’s easy to celebrate what Douglass accomplished, but far harder to confront the work that still remains undone.
Douglass would likely trade every statue, every plaque, and every tribute for a dozen marches on City Hall, demanding the protection of immigrants and the most vulnerable in our community. His legacy cannot be captured in stone; it lives in the work we continue today. Douglass fought for abolition, for freedom, for justice—for all. These principles transcend his time and still resonate in the struggles we face for equality and human rights.
Douglass did not rise alone. His fight for abolition was part of a centuries-old resistance against slavery. Even before Douglass arrived in Rochester, abolitionists were laying the groundwork for change. As early as 1775, Thomas Paine wrote "African Slavery in America," a call for emancipation that appeared in the Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser. A month later, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was founded by Quakers, the first of its kind in America. Although the society temporarily halted during the Revolutionary War, it reformed in 1784 with Benjamin Franklin as its president.
In 1777, Vermont became the first region in North America to prohibit slavery, demanding that slave owners remove enslaved people from the state. These early acts of defiance helped set the stage for Douglass' work and paved the way for the abolition of slavery in America.
But Douglass would ask, as we must ask today: What does it mean to honor the past? Statues are important, but they should only be the beginning. True honor lies in how we live out the values these figures fought for.
As Douglass once said, “It is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.”
Let that fire ignite us. The fight for justice, for freedom, for equality, is not over. Douglass fought injustice his entire life; so must we. But how do we answer his call today?
The answer isn’t in another monument. It’s in the actions we take. Douglass’ legacy demands we address the inequities of our time—today, in Rochester, that means standing up for marginalized communities, defending the rights of immigrants, and fighting economic oppression. As we look at this statue, we should be asking: What is our role in continuing this fight? What policies can we implement to make Douglass' dream of a just and free society a reality?
The Evan’s administration has an opportunity to honor Douglass in more than just name. If this statue is to be celebrated over the next year, let it shine a spotlight on policies that empower minorities, protect the most vulnerable, and combat the systemic injustices that persist today.
Douglass didn’t want monuments; he wanted action. He wanted the powerful to be held accountable, and the oppressed to be freed. We must do the same. Declaring Rochester an official Sanctuary City—providing safety for immigrants and migrants—is one clear step we can take. Protecting our most vulnerable neighbors is a tribute to Douglass that goes beyond words.
This statue is more than a memorial. It is a call to action. It stands as a beacon, urging us to continue the work Douglass began. His fight was never just for freedom in the abstract, but for the specific freedom of those facing the brutal weight of injustice. Let us do the same. Let us honor Douglass by embodying the principles he lived for—by making his fight for justice our fight, too.
Another way to bring Douglass’ legacy to life is by using the statue’s placement in the Hall of Justice as a beacon of hope. It should not only serve as a reminder of the past but as a point of education for the future. This statue could become a central feature of a new program that weaves Douglass’ ideas of justice, equality, and freedom into our educational curriculum and city initiatives. Through this program, students and residents alike would be introduced to Douglass' values and the work still needed to actualize them. Let the statue be more than a commemoration—let it be a catalyst for action.
I also want to acknowledge the pride that Mayor Malik Evans and his administration bring to this moment. In many ways, I see him as the byproduct of generations of progress and activism. He embodies the legacy of Frederick Douglass, both as a leader and as a product of Rochester’s ongoing evolution. Like Douglass, Evans represents courage, vision, compassion, and an unwavering determination to better this city. Their shared commitment to advancing justice, promoting equality, and serving the people of Rochester stands as a testament to the enduring power of Douglass’ ideals.
~ George Cassidy Payne is a writer, philosopher, and advocate based in Rochester, NY. His work delves into themes of spirituality, social justice, philosophy, and the human condition. Known for his introspective essays, evocative poetry, and thought-provoking commentary, George contributes to various publications and platforms, offering a distinctive perspective on contemporary issues and timeless questions. Deeply engaged with his community, George writes on topics that resonate locally and globally, including peacebuilding, environmental ethics, and the interplay of faith and reason. His work strikes a balance between intellectual rigor and accessible language, inspiring reflection and connection among a wide audience.
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