Frederick Douglass
Neighborhood Association
Brockton,
Massachusetts
* * * * *
2025
It was a blooming year!
Our garden spilled over ... and now flowers can be seen all along the road.
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Discussing Douglass
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
We gathered in the Driscoll Art Gallery at the BrPL Main Branch to engage !!! Hosting our first "Discussing Douglass" meeting. We had a wonderful turnout with thought provoking stories and community conversations about Frederick Douglass and his famous speech "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?". Mayor Sullivan presented FDNA with their very own piece of the famous Liberty Tree in Brockton where Frederick Douglass made his speeches. This event was made possible in part with a grant from the Creative Impact Fund and Black Owned Brockton. Hope you will join us for the next "Discussing Douglass" event!
Discussing Douglass
“I Am a Radical Woman Suffrage Man”
May 6, 2025 Driscoll Art Gallery BrPL
Together, we reflected on the question: How can two people, raised the same way, end up with different rights? What’s changed — and what hasn’t?
Our second "Discussing Douglass" event was a success! We were honored to be joined by State Representatives Rita Mendes and Michelle DuBois. Rep. Mendes shared exciting news: a $25,000 earmark for FDNA is included in the State Budget—pending approval!
Gardening
The garden near Paddy Lane is in full bloom!
Many thanks to the volunteers and donations. Our garden is a respite of beauty in the middle of the city, thanks to you!!
🧤 Garden Meetups
We’re organizing monthly garden days to keep everything looking great. Join us:
📆 Last Wednesday of Each Month at 5:00 PM
Reading Frederick Douglass Together
Saturday July 12, 2025 ~ In the Garden
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https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/b0fecc8dbb754fc1aa5f583b281f4b61
Discussing Douglass
The topic of our last “Discussing Douglass”event was Anna Murray Douglass, first wife of Frederick Douglass and a catalyst in his journey for freedom. She provided the foundation which made his work possible! Rev. Jill Wiley gave a powerful oration called “I Am Anna”.
Willie Wilson gave an informative presentation, both of which sparked deep conversation among the attendees. The Liberty Tree Quilt provided a beautiful backdrop to the conversation.
International Douglass Week
Our members attended many of the events during Douglass Week (Sept 28-Oct 4). The organizers, Globe Lane Iniative, put together some fantastic activities in collaboration with the many historical groups across our region.
Here are some photos of the historical walking tour of New Bedford that Willie Wilson and I attended, sponsored by Mass Humanities.
Also in attendance that day was a descendant of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington!
Kenneth B. Morris Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. He is also a descendant of Booker T. Washington, having both ancestors' legacies of anti-slavery and educational work. Morris has dedicated his life to advancing these legacies, and his organization works to end human trafficking and build strong children.
It was a beautiful fall day! We were so proud that Globe Lane chose Boston as their 2025 location! ~ Cindy
Click the link to see the schedule of events that were held. https://douglassweek.org/events2025
