February 14, 2026
Lawmakers are honoring the abolitionist throughout Black Historical past Month, amid nationwide debate over how U.S. historical past is taught.
The press gallery overlooking the U.S. Home chamber has been renamed in honor of abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass, marking a uncommon bipartisan second on Capitol Hill throughout an ongoing nationwide debate about race and historical past.
The trouble, led by Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., was developed over the previous 12 months as he and his workers explored methods to acknowledge influential Individuals — together with Black leaders — all through the Capitol complicated. Douglass, who reported on congressional proceedings in the course of the Civil Warfare and suggested President Abraham Lincoln, was chosen for his historic contributions.
“Once we discuss Frederick Douglass, we’re speaking a couple of man who possessed a profound and unshakable religion in Individuals, in America’s household,” Donalds mentioned on the dedication ceremony.
Home Speaker Mike Johnson praised the choice whereas unveiling a plaque bearing Douglass’ identify. “It’s an vital factor for us to offer honor the place honor is due. That’s a biblical admonition,” Johnson mentioned. “Frederick Douglass is actually deserving of that honor.”
The ceremony, held throughout Black Historical past Month and coinciding with the a centesimal anniversary of the earliest nationwide observance of Black historical past, drew lawmakers, Black conservative leaders, religion figures and Trump administration officers. The Library of Congress displayed artifacts from Douglass’ life as a part of the occasion.
The tribute comes because the nation wrestles with broader questions on how race and democracy are taught and understood. President Donald Trump signed govt orders final 12 months aimed toward reshaping how American historical past is introduced in federal establishments and public colleges. One order asserted that the Smithsonian had “come below the affect of a divisive, race-centered ideology” that “promoted narratives that painting American and Western values as inherently dangerous and oppressive.”
One other order argued that in Ok-12 training, “harmless youngsters are compelled to undertake identities as both victims or oppressors,” directing businesses to fight what the administration described as “anti-American, subversive, dangerous, and false ideologies.”
Critics contend these insurance policies threat minimizing the nation’s historical past of racial injustice, whereas supporters argue they restore steadiness by emphasizing tales of perseverance. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, mentioned honoring Douglass reinforces optimistic historic narratives. “Once we cease telling the great, then individuals begin pondering that we’re not the nation that’s the promise that we gave,” Owens mentioned. “So we have to discuss our historical past, our success.”
Rep. Steve Horsford, D-Nev., who collaborated with Donalds, mentioned the renaming displays a willingness to seek out widespread floor. “I wouldn’t be right here if it weren’t for the will to need to work throughout the aisle,” Horsford mentioned.
Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass escaped to freedom and have become a number one voice for abolition and equal rights. Donalds praised him for his braveness, noting his journey “from the slavery fields to the world stage” stands as “one of many biggest narratives of perseverance in U.S. historical past.”
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