[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS

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                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, recognizing Frederick Douglass in the 
centennial year of his death is an opportunity for the Nation to 
embrace its traditional American values of education, self-reliance, 
and public service through the life of this American patriot.
  As biographer and author, Frederick Douglass wrote about his triumph 
over chattel slavery 150 years ago, and his story has become a reminder 
of the essential role of education in our democracy. As a journalist, 
he founded The North Star in 1847 and became an articulate witness for 
the indivisibility of freedom and citizenship for the slave and for the 
idea and image of freedom in America. As a public servant, Frederick 
Douglass advised Presidents from Lincoln to Harrison, ending his 
distinguished public career as Minister to the Dominican Republic in 
1871 and to Haiti in 1889.
  On February 1, 1895, Mr. Douglass gave his last public lecture at 
West Chester University of Pennsylvania. The University has honored 
this champion of freedom with a 2-year program and has helped to lead 
the Nation in commemorating his life. Frederick Douglass voiced hope 
and confidence in America during some of the most anxious moments in 
the Nation's history.
  Our recognition of the life of Frederick Douglass is a testimony to 
his enduring faith that this Nation and all of its people will remain 
worthy of and committed to the highest principles of freedom and 
justice for all.


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