US Congress Names Press Gallery After Abolitionist Frederick Douglass

The House of Representatives honors the 19th-century orator and civil rights pioneer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. House of Representatives has named its press gallery after Frederick Douglass, the famed 19th-century abolitionist and orator who was the first Black member of the congressional press corps. House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a new sign over the press rooms, recognizing Douglass' powerful voice and legacy in the institution.

Why it matters

The ceremony to honor Douglass comes during a period when the Trump administration has pushed to remove what it calls 'anti-American' ideology from cultural and historical institutions. However, Trump has previously praised Douglass, underscoring the continued importance of recognizing the contributions of Black Americans.

The details

The press gallery was named after Douglass, who was born into slavery but escaped in 1838 and became a renowned author, speaker and social reformer. He was a member of the U.S. House and Senate press galleries from 1871 to 1875. The ceremony took place on February 12, Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and two days before Douglass' own birthday, which he celebrated on February 14 though his exact birth date is unknown.

  • The ceremony took place on February 12, 2026.
  • Douglass was a member of the U.S. House and Senate press galleries from 1871 to 1875.

The players

Frederick Douglass

A famed 19th-century orator, abolitionist and social reformer who was the first Black member of the congressional press corps.

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who unveiled the new sign honoring Douglass.

Abraham Lincoln

The U.S. President who signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery in the United States.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who has pushed to remove 'anti-American' ideology from cultural and historical institutions, but has also previously praised Douglass.

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What they’re saying

“Perhaps more successfully than any American of his time, Douglass built a life and legacy off the power of his pen, and his powerful voice, and he wielded that power to great effect in this institution.”

— Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (Reuters)

“Douglass was an example of somebody who's done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more.”

— Donald Trump (Reuters)

The takeaway

The naming of the congressional press gallery after Frederick Douglass underscores the continued importance of recognizing the contributions of Black Americans, even as some political leaders have sought to remove 'anti-American' ideology from cultural institutions. Douglass' powerful voice and legacy continue to be celebrated, serving as an example of the impact one person can have in driving social change.