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New Edition of Autobiography to Mark 200th Birthday of Frederick Douglass

Syracuse Cultural Workers is collaborating with the family of Frederick Douglass to mark the 200th birthday of the abolitionist with a new edition of his autobiography. The goal is to distribute one-million copies of the book to young people across the U.S. Cultural Workers Sales manager Andy Mager says Douglass’s legacy still resonates today, especially when it comes to immigrants in the U.S.

“Frederick Douglass was one of the most prominent and visible former slaves across the country who had escaped and therefore could be considered a fugitive. And it makes me think about our current day where there are many, many people who face the similar prospect of being seized and deported in this case. Not returned to slavery, but returned to very dangerous situations.”

Mager says Douglass spoke in Syracuse often when he was living in Rochester, and that he worked closely with local activists who helped plan and execute the Jerry Rescue. Mager says Douglass made a notable fourth-of-July speech in Rochester, where he spoke about patriotism in the 1850s.     

“And really talked in a very clear, powerful language about how could people expect African Americans to have the kind of love of country when their country treated them so inhumanely and denied them basic human rights.”

Syracuse writer and community member Jackie Warren-Moore says she hopes the book will energize and inspire young people to speak out the way Douglass did.

“He dared in the midst of all that he faced, he dared to stand up and speak out for what was right. You know, it’s a hard thing but it’s a necessary thing for us all. So many people turn a blind eye to all the ugly that’s happening right now, today.”

Andy Mager and Jackie Warren-Moore pictured with a copy of Douglass's autobiography

Syracuse Cultural Workers is the main national distributor of the bicentennial edition of the book titled “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.” The group has partnered with Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives to also create a new poster, postcard, and magnet. More information is at fdfi.org and at Syracuse cultural workers.

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.