[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 112 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E709-E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2021

  Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the centennial 
of Frederick Douglass Park in Indianapolis. This historic park honors 
the memory and legacy of legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 
Located in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood on the east side of 
Indianapolis and maintained by the City of Indianapolis's parks 
department, the Frederick Douglass Park has been an integral part of 
our city for generations by bringing our community together.
  The park's history reflects America's civil rights journey. It opened 
in 1921 in the Jim Crow era to serve Black citizens, as they were 
excluded or intimidated from visiting other recreational spaces in 
Indianapolis. Black Hoosiers embraced the park, organizing and 
advocating for its maintenance and improvement. Frederick Douglass Park 
is well known for its role in cultivating Black golfers, and it has 
hosted professionals such as Ted Rhodes, Charlie Sifford and Tiger 
Woods. Today, it is visited and appreciated by Hoosiers of many 
different backgrounds.
  Frederick Douglass Park continues to play an important role in 
Indianapolis, and in celebration of its 100 years, our community is 
planning a series of events including a golf-tournament, festival, and 
movie night. The City of Indianapolis will additionally announce a

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$19.5 million investment into Frederick Douglass Park, updating it for 
its second century through the construction of a new family center that 
includes educational, fitness, and community spaces.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this incredible 
park and its rich history in my district.