Descendant of Frederick Douglass Visits Philadelphia for Black History Month

Kevin Douglass Green promotes literacy and legacy during week-long tour of Black-owned businesses

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Kevin Douglass Green, the great, great grandson of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, is spending the week in Philadelphia visiting Black-owned businesses to promote literacy and honor his family's legacy. Green is giving out free copies of Douglass' books, speaking with local students about the importance of reading, and connecting with the community.

Why it matters

The visit highlights the ongoing impact of Frederick Douglass' work and the importance of preserving his story for future generations. It also showcases the resilience and entrepreneurship of Philadelphia's Black community, as Green connects with local Black-owned businesses and organizations.

The details

During his visit, Green has made stops at several Black-owned businesses, including Grocery Outlet in Mount Airy, where he spoke with store owner Aaron Hollingsworth. Green also gave out a boxer of the year award to a local Black-owned gym. Later this week, he will be speaking with local students about the importance of literacy, a cause deeply connected to his family history as Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and founded several antislavery newspapers.

  • Green began his visit on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The visit is part of Douglass Week, sponsored by the nonprofit Hands Across Philadelphia.

The players

Kevin Douglass Green

The great, great grandson of 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who is visiting Philadelphia to promote literacy and honor his family's legacy.

Frederick Douglass

The 19th century abolitionist and author who taught himself to read and founded several antislavery newspapers.

Aaron Hollingsworth

The owner of Grocery Outlet in Mount Airy, where Green visited and spoke with during his trip.

Nicole Ross

The president of the nonprofit Hands Across Philadelphia, which is sponsoring Douglass Week and giving out free copies of Douglass' books.

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What they’re saying

“It's a privilege for me to be back in Philadelphia. It kind of feels like a second home in some ways.”

— Kevin Douglass Green (CBS News)

“To me it represents legacy. Of course, he's a descendant of Frederick Douglass, but our story doesn't end with that.”

— Aaron Hollingsworth, Grocery Outlet store owner (CBS News)

“Frederick Douglass told his story and it changed the world. One of these children is going to change the world. That's why we keep giving out the books.”

— Nicole Ross, President of Hands Across Philadelphia (CBS News)

What’s next

Later this week, Green will be speaking with local students about literacy, a cause deeply connected to his family history.

The takeaway

The visit of Frederick Douglass' descendant to Philadelphia during Black History Month highlights the ongoing impact of Douglass' work and the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations. It also showcases the resilience and entrepreneurship of Philadelphia's Black community, as Green connects with local Black-owned businesses and organizations.