[WardFive] Frederick Douglass Statute Moves One Step Closer to Capitol

FYI, Robert

Frederick Douglass Statute Moves One Step Closer to Capitol

• By Jason Dick
• Roll Call Staff
• May 17, 2013, 3:13 p.m.

The District of Columbia’s Frederick Douglass statue is one step closer to being unveiled in the Capitol now that the Senate has passed a resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the event.

The Senate agreed May 16 to a concurrent resolution authorizing the unveiling June 19. The measure now heads to the House.

The statue by Steven Weitzman was commissioned by the District of Columbia seven years ago but has been hung up by rules that proclaim only the 50 states may display statues of their favored heroes in the Capitol complex.

Last year, President Barack Obama signed into law a measure allowing the District to display its statue, and passing the concurrent resolution is one of the last logistical hurdles before the likeness of the abolitionist and one-time District resident can be unveiled.