Descendants host 207th birthday celebration for Frederick Douglass in Easton: 2/22

February is not only Black History Month. It’s also the birthday of famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and his Eastern Shore descendants are planning a celebration in his honor.

Records in the Maryland State Archives show that Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey in the northeast corner of Talbot County near the town of Queen Anne in February 1818. Douglass self-liberated from Baltimore in 1838, changing his name to avoid capture when he arrived in Massachusetts. He went on to become a renowned orator, author, abolitionist, and statesman.

To honor Douglass’s life and legacy, the Bailey-Grocè Family Foundation will host a 207th birthday celebration on February 22, 2025, in Easton, Maryland, featuring musical performances, poetry, and art. Some of the performers include: Poet Angelic Kreations, Baltimore’s exciting band, the Bangladesh Project, country music duo Outta Ink from Atlanta Ga, concert violinist Eboni Strings and the featured artist in her homecoming performance, Ayla Dennis. Paul Butler, longtime Eastern Shore broadcaster and the 2024 Grace Brooks Award winner will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening.

“Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for the cause of freedom, and his influence is still felt today,” says Tarence Bailey, Sr., the five-times great nephew of Douglass and founder of The Bailey-Groce Family Foundation. “We are celebrating Black History Month by celebrating Frederick Douglass. This is our third year for this event, and we plan to make it a yearly celebration.”

Festivities will begin at the Historic Avalon Theatre at 3:45 p.m.

After the performances, family members of Frederick Douglass will host a VIP dinner at the Waterfowl Building, also in Easton. Attendees are encouraged to wear African-style clothing to honor Douglass’s heritage.

All proceeds from the evening support Operation Frederick Douglass on The Hill, the work of The Bailey-Grocè Family Foundation, Inc., and the goal of building an African-American Cultural Center.

For more information, visit fdhill.org. Tickets are $75 for the performance only and $125, including dinner, and can be purchased online at avalonfoundation.org/events. Donations can be made to The Bailey-Grocè Family Foundation, Inc. at Shore United Bank or can be mailed to P.O. Box 266, Newcomb, MD 21653.

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Francoise Sullivan is the new Associate Editor of The Chestertown Spy and a community advocate based in Worton, Maryland. She previously served a term on the Kent County Board of Education, where she focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student-centered policy. Sullivan also serves as Chair of the Kent County Chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center. Her work centers on local government, education, and civic engagement, providing clear, accessible coverage of issues affecting Kent County.