File:African American History Month Event-28 (33196032605).jpg

The U.S. Marshals Service held two events Wednesday, March 1, 2017, to honor African-American history and, in particular, Frederick Douglass’ historical significance as the first African-American U.S. Marshal. Douglass was appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1877. Douglass’ great-great-granddaughter Nettie Washington Douglass spoke at an employee event at U.S. Marshals Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. This was followed by a tour of and wreath-laying ceremony at the Frederick Douglass house in Washington, in conjunction with the National Park Service. U.S. Marshals Service Acting Director David Harlow and Ms. Douglass placed a wreath in front of a bronze statue of Frederick Douglass in the visitor center during the ceremony. They later placed the wreath at the front door of the house. Deputy Superintendent of National Capital Parks-East Ann Honious also spoke during the event. Ms. Douglass is the co-founder and chairwoman of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. As well as being the great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, she is also the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington.