Banneker-Douglass Museum Partners with St. John’s College to Host Keeping the Legacy Alive with Kenneth Morris

ANNAPOLIS, MD– Banneker-Douglass Museum yesterday joined with the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation; Four Rivers: The Heritage of Annapolis, London Town, and South County; Lost Town Project; Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning; and St. John’s College to host Keeping the Legacy Alive, a lecture presented by Kenneth Morris. Kenneth Morris, a descendant of noted civil rights leaders Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, discussed how Frederick Douglass’ legacy has inspired his life and contributed to his work as a social activist. The event comes in celebration of the Year of Frederick Douglass, which commemorates the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of the renowned abolitionist and Maryland native.

“The Banneker-Douglass Museum remains committed to keeping the legacy and spirit of Frederick Douglass and other noted civil rights leaders vibrant in our communities through the promotion and preservation of Maryland’s rich African American History and Culture,” said Chanel Compton, Director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. “We appreciate the continued work of individuals like Kenneth Morris to inspire new generations of socially-conscious Marylanders who are dedicated to making an impact in the world around them.”

Kenneth Morris currently serves as the Co-Founder and President of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. He is the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington. Through the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, Kenneth Morris has worked to educate youth on all forms of forced servitude – including human trafficking – and to inspire action. In celebration of the Year of Frederick Douglass, the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives announced the One Million Abolitionist project, a partnership with various organizations – including Banneker Douglass Museum – to distribute one million copies of a special Bicentennial edition of Frederick Douglass’s first autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, to young people across the United States.

In early February, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation declaring 2018 as the “Year of Frederick Douglass.” In celebration, the Banneker-Douglass Museum has partnered with various organizations to host educational seminars, celebrations, and events across the state. To see a full list of events visit: http://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/events/

Pictured Left to Right: Kenneth Morris, Co-Founder and President, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives; Tamara England Wilson, Vice Chair, Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, Chanel Compton, Director, Banneker-Douglass Museum and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture; Dale Glenwood Green, Chair, Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture