We at The Bailey-Groce Family Foundation, Inc. and Operation Frederick Douglass on the Hill are committed to preserving the legacy of Frederick Douglass by ensuring accurate and respectful portrayals of our ancestor and his accomplishments.
The Bailey and Groce Family families are primary descendants of Perry Bailey, the older brother of Frederick Douglass and the first born of Harriet Bailey. We are the leading advocates for historical accuracy where our family is concerned in the state of Maryland. Born enslaved in Talbot County in 1818, Frederick Douglass self-liberated and went on to become an ardent abolitionist, renowned orator and writer, and one of the first African American statesmen. We believe Frederick Douglass’s legacy must be presented with utmost respect and sensitivity.
The mural of Frederick Douglass now displayed on Washington Street in Easton, Maryland, fails to meet the standard we expect. We were not informed that the mural was being erected, nor were we consulted. Our family finds the mural disturbing and disrespectful to the legacy of our family. The representation of Frederick Douglass in a posture typically associated with gang activity or drug dealers is offensive. Frederick Douglass never wanted to be viewed as an amiable slave or viewed as a black man on his knees.
Our commitment to preserving the true essence of Frederick Douglass and the Bailey-Groce story is unwavering. It is our responsibility to ensure that his contributions to society are represented with integrity, avoiding any derogatory or misrepresentative portrayals that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
We must be mindful of how our African American ancestors are depicted. If we turn a blind eye to this depiction of Douglass, what’s next? Harriet Tubman half dressed on a wall? We welcome further discussion on the matter. But, we cannot tolerate this level of disrespect
Tarence Bailey
Easton
Easton
Al DiCenso says
I agree wholeheartedly. This depiction of a stately, dignified law-abiding gentleman is in fact degrading and improper. Mr. Douglass was not a “dude of the ‘hood”. I fully understand and appreciate the feelings of the family, and agree that it should be forthrightly removed.
Peg Fitzgerald says
With all due respect to the Bailey-Groce Family Foundation I believe that this mural is Art for Art’s sake and is not intended to promote a legacy of Frederick Douglass other than one of respect and admiration.
It is certainly a conversation starter, and that is a good thing.
I do not see Mr. Douglass depicted as a slave or a black man on his knees. I see a respected leader reaching out to the community. One can’t help but be reminded of the amazing, impactful, legacy he left on America with this larger than life presence.
He was one of our greatest orators, writers and philosophers and one of the most photographed individuals of his time (more than A. Lincoln and The National Portrait Gallery in DC has a current exhibit of F. Douglass photographs running right now)
Was Andy Warhol’s colorful depictions of Marylyn Monroe or Mao disrespectful? Is there a restriction on how artists can depict one another?
Art for art’s sake—the usual English rendering of l’art pour l’art (pronounced ), a French slogan from the latter half of the 19th century—is a phrase that expresses the philosophy that ‘true’ art is utterly independent of any and all social values and utilitarian function, be that didactic, moral, or political.
Sue Regier says
I am sorry that you feel offended by this lovely portrayal of an historic figure in a new light. My impression of seeing this refreshing view of Mr. Douglas is of a larger than life hero squatting down, as we adults do, to be on eye level with children. Definitely not a man on his knees, but engaging those of us who came after. He is wearing converse shoes and modern clothing as many teachers do these days to be viewed as a partner in education, not a task master. I hope you will reconsider as you view the mural in a kinder light. It is a beacon of hope that we still can learn from his work and historical presence.
Thank you for listening to my humble opinion. I am just a passing viewer with no agenda other than to let you know how I view this artwork.
Holly Wright says
What an honor it must be to have an ancestor of such renown and accomplishment.
Being reminded of the trajectory of his life and his strength of character, perseverance and moral fortitude has been and continues to be an inspiration to generation after generation.
People who are larger than life in their time in history inevitably belong to the larger community and world. Though he is a contemporary, one thinks of the varied kinds of representations of Barack Obama done with the kind of deep affection for a great man that comes across to me in this mural of Frederick Douglass.
The mural causes me to wonder what he would have thought of our life today and what his counsel would be in a way more formal representations do not. I’m grateful that it’s there and hope others are inspired to consider that question as well.
R Holman says
Obviously those who conceived the idea of the mural do not fully comprehend the intellectual power and foresight offered to the Nation by Frederick Douglass. Douglass and Lincoln are both self made men who demonstrated the power of humanity and the human mind. Neither had formal education, but where self taught from “values up”. Frederick Douglass (and his family) deserve the same respect as the founders and those that shaped our Republic. A mural putting Frederick Douglass side by side with Lincoln, Washington and ML King would be more appropriate. Efforts to “dumb” down our society and neglect our history and legacies of excellence (e.g Douglass) is a root cause of many of our current challenges.
Paul Winfield Callahan says
There is absolutely no doubt that the founders and supporters of this mural had nothing but good and philanthropic intentions. However, I cannot help seeing the irony of what is happening and which we all should take notice. The supporters of this mural were extremely vocal against the Talbot Boys monument accusing its founders and original supporters of malicious intent. It is not hard to envision that sometime in the future, when the founders of this mural are no longer around to defend themselves, that someone will call for its removal asserting that it was only established by the white elitist of Talbot to purposely degrade the image of Douglass by portraying him as a drug dealing gangster to “revise” the history of Talbot’s sacred son.
What is even more ironic is how things have come full circle and the supporters of this mural are now promoting exactly the same arguments as the supporters of the Talbot Boys monument promoted.
The fact remains this mural is offensive to Talbot County’s Americans of African descent who are highly respected multigenerational families of Talbot not to mention the direct descendants of Douglass. Tear it down and consider replacing it with something more respectful that all Talbot citizens can appreciate. May I suggest a portrayal of Nathanial Hopkins? But please do so by actually coordinating with his descendants first.
Heena Paracha says
Commission a Black artist and talk to the family and then try the mural again. Thanks
Tarence Bailey Sr says
I say respectfully. Let’s imagine a black artist doing a so called piece of art with Jewish men in front of a concentration camp dressed this way. Would it be Celebrated by Talbot residents? Would you come to the Easton Town Council meeting to defend it with smug faces? Would it be art for art’s sake? No? Then why take license with the AA community and put that up. Frederick Bailey-Douglass’ Family has been free in Talbot for less time than we have been enslaved. We can’t atleast have a word when it comes to our family members? And a right to protect them?