Most governors and politicians these days seem to be looking for statues to remove.
Governor Ron DeSantis just put one up.
This week, in the nation’s oldest city — St. Augustine — DeSantis unveiled a statue honoring Frederick Douglass in the historic Plaza de la Constitución.
And Frederick Douglass deserves this recognition.
Born into slavery, self-educated, brilliant, bold, and unafraid, Douglass became one of the most powerful voices for abolition and equal rights in American history. He visited St. Augustine in 1889 and spoke about the promise of America — a promise rooted in liberty and the belief that rights come from God, not government.
Placing his statue in the heart of Florida’s most historic city sends a message: we don’t erase history here.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this moment feels very special. It’s not about rewriting the past. It’s about recognizing the men and women who pushed this country closer to its founding ideals.
In a time when history feels like a battleground, Florida planted something solid in the ground — a reminder that courage, faith, and freedom still deserve a place in the public square.
