UBC helps society to reach Douglass fundraising goal

At Union Baptist Church, Howard Barnet Jr., left, chairman of the UBC Trustees Ministry, presents a check to Eric Lowery, president of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society, as Rosalee Potter, vice president of the honor society, and the Rev. Fentress Hickman, pastor of Union Baptist Church, look on. PHOTO BY STILL WATERS PHOTOGRAPHY

By CAROLYN SWIFT Staff Writer

EASTON The Union Baptist Church of Easton handed over a $5,000 check to the Frederick Douglass Honor Society May 23 to help fund the Frederick Douglass memorial statue that is set to be situated on the Talbot County Courthouse lawn sometime after its completion in June 2011.

Howard Barnet Jr., chairman of the UBC Trustees Ministry, presented the check to Eric Lowery, president of the honor society, and Rosalee Potter, vice president of the honor society, saying the donation was overwhelmingly approved by the congregation, according to a press release from the honor society.

In a statement Thursday, Hickman said continuing to keep the memory of Douglass alive is important to the community and to his church and that Douglass ‘ contribution to local and American history made the donation a fitting and proper outreach for the only African-American Baptist Church in Talbot County.

The honor society continues to raise funds for the statue, which will be built by June 2011, after sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter signed an agreement with the town earlier this year stipulating that time frame.

The society’s most recent fundraiser, The Frederick Douglass/YMCA 10 Mile Walk/Run, on May 1 was quite a success, with 195 participants and more than $3,000 raised, said Harriett Lowery, a member of the society.

“The volunteers were very enthusiastic, cheering runners as they went by,”

said Lowery.

During the event, Lowery said many people came up to her and said they were already looking forward to participating again next year and that they especially like the inspirational Frederick Douglass quotes that were displayed throughout the course of the race.

The race raised a total of $6,885, which was split between the YMCA and the honor society.

Other fundraisers are already in the works, including Frederick Douglass Day, a family day of food, fun and education centered around the accomplishments of Douglass, which will be held Oct. 23 at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels.

While the event is still in the planning stage, Lowery said the society plans to have music from several genres, a kids village and a range of food from seafood to hot dogs and hamburgers.

With Douglass’ sister’s house now part of the Maritime Museum’s property, Lowery said that will be the location of most of the exhibits, with the entertainment remaining in the common areas.

Local businesses that want to participate in the event, either with an education exhibit or activity or with entertainment, should contact Pam Black at 410-770-3751 or pamblack@goeaston.net

The society is planning on charging an admission fee of about $10 to adults, but children will get in for free.

“We want it to be an educational experience for the children,”

Lowery said.