Frederick Douglass Descendant Runs to Help Save Others
Team Abolition Successfully Completes Run for Freedom
Las Vegas, NV–Dec. 2, 2007- Representatives of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation triumphantly crossed the finish line of the Las Vegas Half Marathon in a symbolic gesture of the foundation’s determination to bring the issue of modern-day slavery to the forefront. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and president of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation was the first to celebrate. The 45-year-old amateur runner completed the course in an impressive two hours and nine minutes. Morris is a direct descendant of the legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Foundation Executive Vice President Robert Benz followed shortly afterwards, overcoming a painful knee and shin injury to finish the 13.1-mile course in two hours and 28 minutes.While most of the media attention for this Las Vegas event was focused on the runners in Elvis and Santa costumes, “running divas†and even people who got married along the race course, there were dozens of people who were running for important causes such as AIDS awareness. The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation leads the way to focus the nation’s attention on the continuing issue of human trafficking in this city that is gaining more notoriety because of the prevalence of modern day slavery in the sex industry.More representatives from the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation and members of the Las Vegas Police department’s unit that combats human trafficking cheered the runners as they crossed the finish line. The Run for Freedom was particularly designed for the Las Vegas half marathon. The race took on an additional significance since it was held on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery… December 2nd. That special designation was acknowledged by the United Nations in 1949.“It was so gratifying to see people embrace each other and even break down in tears as they crossed the finish line,†said Morris. “I even started tearing up after I finished when I realized that we had accomplished something we’ve never done before.â€Monetary pledges were made to President Morris and Executive Vice President Benz as they worked for months to prepare for the marathon. Dozens of people from around the world continue to pledge financial support for the FDFF.The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (www.fdff.org) was launched as a means of protecting and preserving the legacy of the great abolitionist, orator, author and newspaper editor. The mission of the foundation is to raise awareness about modern-day slavery and to finance the individuals and organizations that are supporting its victims.Kenneth Morris and other members of Team Abolition are available for interviews about their marathon experience and about the work of FDFF.
**************************
Las Vegas, NV–Nov. 24, 2007- A direct descendant of legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass will participate in an act of devotion and dedication to the cause of his great great-great grandfather. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. will lead the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation team…Team Abolition…as they run the Las Vegas Half Marathon on December 2nd. Morris and others are participating in a Run For Freedom to bring more worldwide attention to the presence of modern day slavery.As president of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, Morris says the race takes on added significance since it will be held on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery…as declared by the United Nations in 1949. Morris is an amateur daily runner, but this is the first time he has taken on the challenge of a half marathon. It is even more appropriate that he is running for his cause in a city becoming known for human trafficking related to the sex industry. The Las Vegas Police department has an entire unit devoted to stopping human trafficking. “It’s stunning to know that more than a century after the death of my great great-great grandfather, this kind of abuse and victimization continues to plague communities here in the United States and across the world,†says Morris. “We dedicate our lives to the work of Frederick Douglass to eradicate modern day slavery once and for all.â€Morris says he hopes the FDFF team’s participation in this year’s race will raise money to help groups and individuals around the country who are trying to put a stop to this heinous activity. Joining Morris will be the foundation’s Executive Director, Robert Benz.The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (www.fdff.org) was launched as a means of protecting and preserving the legacy of the great abolitionist, orator, author and newspaper editor. The mission of the foundation is to raise awareness about modern-day slavery and to finance the individuals and organizations that are supporting its victims.Morris and other members of Team Abolition will be available for interviews at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center before and after the race. Contact Sidmel Estes-Sumpter to schedule an interview at 770-460-7647 or 404-630-1976.
************************
White House welcomes Frederick Douglass Family Foundation for Human Trafficking Roundtable
Washington DC, October 29, 2007 – The White House reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the problem of Modern-day Slavery both here and abroad when it hosted a Compassion in Action Roundtable called Faith-based and Community Solutions to Human Trafficking. The purpose of the conference was to facilitate discussion between policy makers, government officials, philanthropists, faith-based and service providers as well as a variety of the country’s leading experts on the subject of Human Trafficking. Jay Hein, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, led the proceedings by presenting the US government’s position on the issue of Human Trafficking. Also on hand was Ambassador Mark Logan from the US Department of State. Among the topics presented were stories of success in rescuing sex slaves and indentured servants by Gary Haugen, President and CEO of International Justice Mission, Dr. Beth Grant, FAAST curriculum project leader and Co-Founder of Project Rescue Eurasia and Katherine Chon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Polaris Project. One of the day’s most moving presentations was by 15 year old, Zach Hunter, Teen Abolitionist and Founder of Loose Change to Loosen Chains. With his second book due out in early 2008, he’s proof of what a powerful source of positive change young people can be. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., President, Frederick Douglass Family Foundation and Robert J. Benz, Executive Vice President, were invited to attend the event. Mr. Benz noted that, “The issue of Modern-day Slavery and Human Trafficking has barely reached the American consciousness and, yet, it truly is a human rights crisis that affects every country in the world. Events such as these will allow organizations who are working to end slavery once and for all to better coordinate their efforts and resources.†The legacies of both William Wilberforce and Frederick Douglass were evoked repeatedly during the day with Jay Hein giving special recognition to Ken Morris; great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FDFF WEBSITE
The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation www.fdff.org (FDFF) was co-founded in June 2007 by Nettie Washington Douglass and son Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. The FDFF exists to honor and preserve the legacy of Frederick Douglass and to create awareness about modern-day slavery in an effort to expedite its demise.
The founders represent a remarkable living history. Ms. Douglass and Mr. Morris are direct descendants of Frederick Douglass , the man called “the father of the civil rights movement†and Booker T. Washington , the famed educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute.
Through the union of Ms. Douglass’ mother, Nettie Hancock Washington (granddaughter of Booker T. Washington) and her father, Dr. Frederick Douglass III (great grandson of Frederick Douglass), the founders have united the bloodlines of two of the most important names in American history.
Mission:
As one of history’s most noted Abolitionists, Frederick Douglass dedicated himself to the cause of freedom and that of equality for every man and woman. The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation will continue the work of its prominent namesake by raising awareness of the enduring crisis of modern-day slavery wherever it may exist. Funds that are raised through grants, donations, appearance fees and the sale of merchandise will go to support organizations that are working to stop modern-day slavery and those assisting its victims.
Frederick Douglass Series, No. 21
JACOB LAWRENCE (1917-2000)
End mission:
We want to motivate people to rally behind this cause. This space will be the flash point for people to get news and information on how they can help and get involved in the cause. Click here to contact us at The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation
Frederick Douglass was the most important voice for the abolition of slavery in the 19th Century. The FDFF will continue our ancestor's goal to end slavery and "Nurture a 21st Century Abolitionist Movement."