Representative Byron Donalds' (R-FL) resolution to rename the House of Representatives Press Gallery after abolitionist Frederick Douglass has passed with unanimous support.
Rep. Donalds introduced the bill in February on Douglass's birthday (Feb. 14th), finding cosponsors in Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and John James (R-MI).
In a short address on the House floor, Rep. Donalds described the life of Douglass and his work bringing news to African-Americans in the United States throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction, launching the North Star and New National Era newspapers.
"Douglass was the first Black reporter admitted to the Capitol press galleries," the Florida Congressman continued, adding, "From 1871 to 1875, he reported on House and Senate action, keeping the African American community informed during Reconstruction after the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. He spent countless hours writing and studying right here in the House Press Gallery."
Donalds further noted, "Congress has honored Douglass with a portrait and plaque in the gallery, and a statue in Emancipation Hall. This resolution permanently renames these famous offices off of the House Floor for all Americans today, and years to come, to honor his work for freedom in this hallowed chamber."
In January 2023, Donalds was poised to be a potential candidate for Speaker of the House. Had he won, the Florida Congressman would have been the first African-American to hold the position.
"Being able to be part of that was profound," Donalds told The Hill's Race and Justice Imperative at the time, adding that it was "a little surreal at first" to contemplate the gravity of the nomination alongside Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who was the Democrats' nominee, as "two Black men from Brooklyn."
"It was special, and I think it should never be discounted, or just overlooked," Donalds concluded.
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