Last week Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation recognizing February 20th as Civil Rights Heroes Day.
Civil Rights Heroes Day honors civil rights and abolitionist leaders throughout the state’s history. Maryland’s prominent civil rights leaders include Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, and Frederick Douglass. February 20th is also the anniversary of Douglass’ death.
To honor the day, Maryland flags were lowered to half-staff. In a statement Governor Hogan described the importance of recognizing the state’s civil rights leaders. “As we commemorate Black History Month, I am proud to honor the lives and legacies of Maryland’s iconic civil rights leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Thurgood Marshall. It is my hope that we continue to reflect on the countless contributions of these remarkable leaders, and to continuously fight for unity, equality, and justice,” Hogan said.
Civil Rights Heroes Day is a continuation of the state’s efforts to honor its abolitionist leaders. Last February, Governor Hogan unveiled statues of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. Maryland residents had expressed a strong desire to add depictions of the abolitionists to the state house since the completion of the Old Senate Chamber in 2016. The Board of Public Works voted unanimously to install the statues in January 2019.
The full text of the proclamation can be read here.