Celebrating the African Spirit invites you to celebrate Frederick Douglass Day, honoring the abolitionist Frederick Douglass on Saturday, July 27 from 12–3 p.m. at the Pavilion in College Hill Park, City of Poughkeepsie, NY. The event was inspired by a local speech given in August 1858 by Douglass, himself formerly enslaved, bemoaning the fact that millions of Blacks were still in involuntary servitude. This year's commemoration will include musical, drumming, and dance performances, CAS student presentations, and info about local artists and businesses. Lunch by Akbar’s provided free of charge.

This event is supported by the City of Poughkeepsie and a Civic Imagination Partnership Grant from Partners for Campus-Community Engagement (PCCE) secured by Vassar’s Office of Community-Engaged Learning, in collaboration with Celebrating the African Spirit and Revive College Hill Park Coalition.