Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration Marks 127 Years of Rochester History

Community leaders, historians and residents gathered Tuesday morning at Frederick Douglass Memorial Square to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the unveiling of the Frederick Douglass Monument, honoring the life and legacy of one of Rochester's most influential historical figures.

Brothers of Eureka Lodge #36 F.& A.M. PHA were among attendees at the annual Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration - Photo courtesy of Rev. Julius Jackson

The annual Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration, organized by the Friends of Frederick Douglass, celebrates the June 9, 1899 unveiling of the monument, believed to be the first monument in the United States erected in honor of an African American. The event featured remarks from elected officials and historians, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony conducted by Eureka Lodge No. 36.

The ceremony was held at Frederick Douglass Memorial Square, located at the corner of South Avenue and Robinson Drive, where the monument now stands near the site of Douglass' former home and within walking distance of his gravesite at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Rev. Juanitaelizabeth Carroll, chief operating officer of the Friends of Frederick Douglass, said the commemoration serves as both a celebration of local history and an educational opportunity for younger generations.

"Every Rochester child whose civic education includes the Frederick Douglass Monument has something unique and special to share about their hometown," Carroll said in a statement. She noted that the monument helps teach the history of Douglass' contributions as an abolitionist, author, statesman and newspaper publisher.

Douglass, who lived in Rochester for more than two decades, published the influential anti-slavery newspaper The North Star from the city. Carroll noted that the monument's design reflects that legacy, with Douglass gesturing toward the North Star, a symbol of freedom for enslaved people seeking liberation.

The event also highlighted the monument's relocation in 2019 and recognized those who played a role in preserving and relocating the historic landmark.

The commemoration also paid tribute to the late Dr. G. Juanita Pitts Carroll, who led the Friends of Frederick Douglass for decades until her death in 2015. According to the organization, Pitts Carroll successfully advocated for the area surrounding the monument to be renamed Frederick Douglass Memorial Square in 1993, helping cement the site's significance as a destination for residents and visitors interested in Rochester's role in Black history.

The Friends of Frederick Douglass have organized annual commemorations for generations, maintaining an unbroken tradition of honoring the monument and Douglass' enduring impact on Rochester and the nation. This year's ceremony marked 127 consecutive years of remembrance since the monument's original unveiling.