A bust and portrait of Frederick Douglass now can be found in the lobby of the Opera House next to the bust and portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. This addition rightfully recognizes Douglass among other inspirational American heroes. Disney shared that the “new installation celebrates the relationship between the two distinguished patriots.” There is also a framed copy of a U.S. Department of the Interior letter that recognized Douglass as a free man. “The story of the two leaders and their work together is highlighted between the two busts.”
The new bust takes its rightful place among these American icons. Douglass helped guide Lincoln towards making ending slavery central to winning the Civil War. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that the enslaved in the Confederate states were free. It took effect on January 1, 1863.
Disney announced today that this great leader in the fight against slavery had been added to the attraction. The following description was shared about Frederick Douglass:
Born in Maryland in 1818, Douglass was enslaved until escaping to freedom in 1838. During his enslavement, he learned to read and write, something that was not easy for someone in slavery to accomplish. This led to his lifelong skills as a great writer and orator. Settling in Massachusetts with his wife Anna Murray, Douglass became a powerful public speaker and joined the abolitionist movement to end slavery. He became a well-known and vocal leader in the movement.
Published in 1845, his first autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” became a national best-seller. This fame led to several meetings between Douglass and Lincoln during which Douglass was vocal in both pushing for the emancipation of the slaves and the inclusion of African Americans in the Union Army.
The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1865, and all slaves, in both the North and the South, were freed.
Douglass was added as Disney continues to update its attractions to showcase the rich diversity of stories in the world. What do you think of this addition? Have you seen it in person yet? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
