The Gist of Freedom is pleased to present to you excerpts from The Frederick Douglass Capitol Statue Unveiling Ceremony  with songtress Lori Williams and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and the great great grand-daughter of Frederick Douglass, Nettie Washington-Douglass..

 

“On this statue – there are many things that are on this beautiful – isn’t it beautiful statue.  It says on the side that: ‘The soul that is in me, no man can degrade.’  ‘The soul that is in me, no man can degrade.’  How perfect, how beautiful.

 

 

Each understood the truth of Douglass’ statement: ‘Power concedes nothing without a demand.  It never did and it never will,’ he said. Frederick Douglass demanded freedom.  He demanded a nation that stayed true to its ideals.  He demanded and helped achieve a ‘more perfect union.’  And we still have work to do.

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“Good morning everyone.  Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Leader Reid, Leader McConnell, Senator Schumer – the Senate sponsor of the bill that brings us here today – and of course, our colleague, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton, who has been a relentless champion.  Congratulations.  This is your day.