207th Birthday Celebration of Frederick Douglass

Celebrate History and Honor Heroes at the 207th Birthday Celebration of Frederick Douglass and Civil Rights Heroes Day at the Avalon Theatre.

Tickets:
$125 VIP Tickets (Performance at the Avalon Theatre + Dinner at the Waterfowl Building)
$75 Performance Only (Avalon Theatre)

All Seating is General Admission except for Sponsors & Partners.
For sponsorship, please visit https://www.fdhill.org/

Dress:
Traditional Formal West African Attire or Black Tie

Get ready for a powerful and unforgettable evening at the Avalon Theatre on February 22, 2025, as we celebrate the 207th Birthday of Frederick Douglass and Civil Rights Heroes Day with an extraordinary event that promises to inspire and entertain. This historic celebration is not just about remembering the past—it’s about honoring the ongoing struggle for equality and justice through music, performance, and recognition of heroes who continue to shape our world.

A Day of Tribute and Celebration

The festivities will begin at 1:30 PM with a parade led by the 54th Massachusetts Color Guard of the Massachusetts National Guard. This iconic procession will honor our shared history and lead the way to an afternoon and evening of cultural celebration at the Avalon Theatre, starting at 3:45 PM.

Our host for the event is Paul Butler, 2024 Grace Brooks Award Winner and longtime WBOC News Broadcaster.

This year’s event theme, "It’s Not Just History," will be brought to life through a dynamic program that includes some of the most exciting artists and performers in the country.

Featured performances include:
*Angelic Kreations – a Brooklyn-based poet whose words will uplift and inspire.
*Country Duo Outta Ink – a musical act that blends country and spoken word for a unique sound.
*The Bangladesh Project Band – a Baltimore-based ensemble that will bring soulful energy to the stage.
*Eboni Strings - Pennsylvania-based classically trained musicians who perform a diverse blend of Classical, Jazz, Spiritual, Ragtime, and Contemporary compositions.

One of the highlights of the evening will be the Homecoming Program, a special feature from Ayala Dennis, a direct descendant of Frederick Douglass. This powerful presentation will bring new dimensions to the legacy of Douglass, making the event even more significant and personal.

Honoring Outstanding Individuals

This celebration also serves as a platform to honor incredible individuals who have made lasting impacts in the community. The award ceremony will include:

- Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, recipient of the Grace Brooks Award for her outstanding contributions.
- Dondre DonniOh Phoenix, honored with the Hill Award for his commitment to civil rights.
- First Lady Tasha R. Scott, who will receive the Lifetime Mentorship Award for her ongoing support and guidance to the next generation of leaders.

VIP: Performance + Dinner

Following the ceremony, the celebration will continue with a VIP Dinner and Red Carpet Walk. This exclusive experience, catered by Shore Girls Catering Co., will feature live music, a cash bar, and an elegant atmosphere where guests can mix and mingle with distinguished leaders, artists, and performers.

All proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of the Grace Brooks Building and the African American Historical Society, supporting future generations in understanding and appreciating the rich history of African American culture.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a significant and historic event that celebrates the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass while honoring the ongoing fight for civil rights.

*The Avalon Foundation is a nonpartisan organization which rents its facility to many organizations. The Foundation neither endorses nor censors content presented by facility renters.