Douglass Alumni to celebrate 22nd Grand Reunion
The Frederick Douglass Alumni Association will return to Pittsburg for its 22nd annual grand reunion July 26-29 with the theme “The Journey Continues . . .”
“This organization began in 1976 to remember and celebrate the legacy of Douglass schools. The association celebrates over four days and alumni continue to return to Douglass and Pittsburg from all over the United States,” said organizer Ruth Burton. “This will be a power-packed year.”
The event kicks off with a Gospel Fest on Thursday and it moves to an award’s night with a special proclamation on Friday. A parade complete with Grand Marshall appearance is slated for Saturday morning, and then the glamorous Grand Reunion Ball takes place Saturday evening highlighted by the crowning of the Reunion Queen. The celebration concludes on Sunday with a full worship service.
“This year is the 200th birthday of Frederick Douglass and the federal government is commemorating our school’s name sake with events and celebrations all over the country. They began this February in Washington, D. C.,” Burton said.
As part of the Gospel Fest’s Thursday events. The association will celebrate Douglass, who was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey; c. February 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an African-American abolitionist, human rights and women’s rights activist, orator, author, journalist, publisher, and social reformer.
“Northerners at the time found it hard to believe that such a great orator had once been a slave,” Burton said. “Frederick Douglass was an incredibly talented writer and orator who escaped slavery and brought the issue of slavery to the attention of people in the 1840s, 50s, and 60s.”
He grew up as a slave in Maryland, which is outlined in his work “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.”
Douglass has been called the father of the civil rights movement, rising through determination, brilliance, and eloquence to shape the American nation. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule.
On Friday during the local event, the association will salute Camp County veterans from all the Armed Services. A special presentation of all veterans will be presented, and every veteran of Camp County is asked to send their name to FDAA P. O. Box 324, Pittsburg, TX 75686 or go to their website at www.fdhsa.org and leave your name through the “Contact Us” form.
“All of the East Texas area is invited to join with us for the 22nd Grand Reunion. We will have prizes and activities throughout this four-day event. Don’t be left out of the fun,” Burton said. “This will also be a time to review the history of the school, including our revered teachers and staff members and to see the historical display for Frederick Douglass and the new additions to the Douglass Community Center.”
The association hosts the event every other year, but Burton said the Douglass Community Center is always working for community improvement, increasing educational achievement, and assisting families.
“The Douglass Community is an integral part of this area. We partner with Habitat for Humanity, the local Chamber, and other civic minded organizations. The Association continues to provide scholarship for worthy students in the area,” she said.
During the four-day event, classes will meet on Friday and Saturday afternoon and alumni are asked to bring their yearbooks to reminisce.
Burton stressed, however, that the Grand Reunion is not only for alumni, but also for friends of Douglass who are interested in learning more of its history.
“Douglass has graduated leaders in every role of life and we invite you to come and understand the vital legacy of Douglass schools,” she said.