ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Monroe County legislators unveiled new, bipartisan legislation Thursday to rename the Greater Rochester International Airport after abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the motion to authorize the name change passed unanimously Thursday evening.
“In 1898, when the first statue was erected here, it was a way to welcome people into Rochester,” said Legislature Minority Leader Vincent R. Felder (D- Rochester). “Now we’re saying people who come into Rochester, who come by plane, the first name they will see now is Frederick Douglass. It is an honor to recommend that this name be changed in his honor.”
“His legacy of support and activism for marginalized populations, especially people of color and women, has lived and on and deserved to be recognized and elevated,” said County Legislator Karla F. Boyce (R- Mendon). “The name change represents to much of what our Monroe County community stands for currently and what we will continue to work for moving forward: A welcoming place for all those who are here.”
Earlier this month, local activist Richard Glaser created an online petition directed toward Monroe County Executive Adam Bello to change the name of the airport to “Frederick Douglass International Airport.” Bello himself said he was supportive of the idea two weeks ago.
MORE | Petition to rename Rochester’s airport after Frederick Douglass quickly gaining steam
Then, the total number of petition signatures was just below 1,500. The original plan was to aim for 200 signatures at first, and long term would work up to 2,000 signatures. Now, the petition has over 4,000 signatures and is growing. Glaser was on hand for Thursday’s announcement.