Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI) is an Abolitionist and AntiRacist non-profit organization founded by direct descendants of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, we’re focused on the struggle for racial equity and an end to human exploitation. 

FDFI Launches New Publishing Imprint: The Frederick Douglass Books imprint is a partnership between Forefront Books and Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives to amplify the voices of Black and Brown authors and establish a pathway to publish books that are distributed into traditional retailers through Simon & Schuster.

Click here for more information!

Click here to order our first publication, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Click here to order our second publication, Striving For Justice by Nathaniel Glover.

“At the core of Frederick Douglass’s activism is the belief that ‘Power concedes nothing without a demand.’

To be heard, our demands should be made in a strong voice. To be successful, they must be made collaboratively, strategically, and safely.”

– Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., May 30, 2020, Rochester, New York

“It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake.”

– Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” July 5, 1852, Rochester, New York

The time to act is now! Join Our Cause.

history of slavery, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, Rochester NY
History
FDFI brings the guidance of history to the fight against modern forms of slavery.
human rights, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, Rochester NY
Human Rights
Education is the foundation on which we build our initiatives. Through education, we learn how immense the problem of inequality really is.
social justice group, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, Rochester NY
Power of One
Our efforts are strengthened when we work collectively.
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It’s estimated that there are over 40 million people* enslaved in the world today.

Since 2007, FDFI has been a leader in implementing innovative human trafficking prevention education curricula in K-12 classrooms nationally.

We educate our youth about human trafficking and all forms of modern-day slavery, and we do it within the context of history.

*International Labour Organization

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Racism, racial discrimination, race-based oppression, though not unique to our nation, is a persistent and lethal contagion in America.

While progress has been made in previous decades, there’s no justification for one American to receive even the slightest less consideration under the Constitution than another.

FDFI believes that, through collaboration and agitation, we can leverage the spirit of Frederick Douglass and help ensure equality for all.

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Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI) was born from a historical legacy of activism and education with its intimate connections to Douglass and Booker T. Washington. The sharing of knowledge was at the core of the work and philosophies of both men just as it resides at the heart of our work in human trafficking and other human rights challenges. 

We seek to effect change by addressing issues at their very foundations with institutionalized solutions like student curriculum, professional development for educators, and sustained coalition building throughout the community.

It's Frederick Douglass' Birthday Celebration!

Free to The Public! Come celebrate history and show love for Frederick Douglass’ birthday! February 14th Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives 11am-1pm. 

Reenactments of historical figures by Akwaaba, drumming, Honoring Dr. David and Mrs. Ruth Anderson, and special announcements from the descendants of Frederick Douglass.

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Time: 11:00 am EST

Where: Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives

140 E. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604

For more information, email info@fdfi.org or call 585-286-9029

Please share your contact information below, and we will keep you updated on our progress as we strive to build strong children and end systems of exploitation and oppression.

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Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives
130 E. Main Street, 9th Floor
Rochester, NY 14604

Legal Counsel
Jon P. Getz, Esq.

45 Exchange Blvd, Suite 500
Rochester, New York 14614

585-820-9291 | email: Jongetz@Jgetzlaw.com

Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (Initiatives), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity – EIN #26-0757405

Click here to view FDFI’s IRS Determination Letter