TownGate Students Connect with Black History Through Descendant of Douglass and Washington

When it comes to black American history, the names Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington naturally stand out. So it was pretty special for students at TownGate Elementary to meet Kenneth Morris, who is a descendant of both historical figures. Washington was an author, orator and advisor to presidents, and the primary leader in the African-American community at the turn of the 20th century. Douglass was a social reformer, orator, writer and statesman; after escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolition movement. Interestingly, he also was the first African American nominated for vice president, by the Equal Rights Party in 1872, which nominated the first woman, Victoria Woodhull, for president. Students were shown a remarkable presentation and were able to visualize history through family photographs and vignettes told by Mr. Morris. They also saw a copy of Frederick Douglass’s second book, "My Bondage and My Freedom," published in 1855, six years before the start of the Civil War.