Owens Advances Effort to Honor Frederick Douglass

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) successfully advanced an amendment out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to rename the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery in honor of abolitionist, journalist, and statesman Frederick Douglass. Owens co-led a bipartisan resolution in the House alongside Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL), Andre Carson (D-IN), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), and John James (R-MI). 

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“Frederick Douglass rose from slavery to become one of America’s greatest champions for liberty and equality,” said Rep. Owens. “Through faith, self-discipline, and relentless determination, he transformed not only his own life but also the conscience of an entire nation. Renaming the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery in his honor is a lasting tribute to a man who advanced the fight for freedom in these very halls.”

Background:

The bipartisan amendment formally designates Rooms H-315 through H-319 in the U.S. Capitol as the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery, recognizing Douglass’ pioneering contributions to American journalism and civil rights.

In 1871, Douglass became the first Black member of the Congressional Press Galleries, reporting on House and Senate legislation to keep the Black community informed during Reconstruction. He worked from these very rooms, chronicling legislative developments and advocating for equality following the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. 

Douglass’ legacy in journalism was further solidified through his leadership as editor of the New National Era, a newspaper he later purchased to document the progress of Black Americans across the country. His profound impact as a journalist, speaker, and advocate for freedom helped shape America’s history and remains a cornerstone of the Press Gallery’s legacy.

The full text of the amendment is available here.

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