Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis traveled to St. Augustine on Wednesday to unveil a new statue honoring famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, commemorating his historic ties to the nation’s oldest city.
The statue, installed in the Plaza de la Constitución, stands near the site where Douglass delivered an address to a rapt crowd of local residents in 1899.
“I do think he was doing God’s work,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “So I’m excited to be able to have been a part of putting Frederick Douglass here, particularly for young people. They’re going to be able to come and see and learn about Frederick Douglass, and I think they’ll learn a lot about freedom and equality. That’s really, really significant.
The unveiling is part of Florida’s broader initiative to mark America’s 250th birthday by commissioning monuments recognizing influential figures who shaped the nation’s history and civic traditions.
DeSantis described Douglass as a distinguished orator and courageous man of letters who “dedicated his life to fighting for equality of all people under the law.”
The governor also highlighted Douglass’ Christian faith, saying he was guided by the belief that rights are granted by God rather than government.
State officials noted that Douglass traveled widely in the late 19th century delivering speeches across the nation, including highly anticipated stops across the Sunshine State that drew thousands.
