Can We Create a Truly Equitable Community?
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Frederick Douglass devoted his life to expanding freedom, opportunity, and human dignity. Today, we carry forward that legacy through education, leadership development, and principled civic engagement that encourages citizens to participate in the ongoing work of strengthening our democracy.
While the nation has made significant progress since the 19th century, challenges to opportunity and equal treatment still affect many communities. The work of expanding access, strengthening fairness, and safeguarding human dignity remains an important part of our shared responsibility.
The time to act is now! Join Our Cause.
Statistics: Opportunity Gaps in Rochester
| Black | Latino | White | |
| Children living in poverty in Monroe County 2014-2018 | 50% | 42% | 12% |
| Median household incomes in Monroe county | $30,034 | $33,331 | $64,468 |
| The percent of students tested who met or exceeded the state standard on the NYS Grade 3 Math exam | 28% | 32% | 63% |
| Incarceration rates by race/ethnicity 2015 | 68.5 | 30.6 | 8.5 |
Children living in poverty in Monroe County 2014-2018
- Black: 50%
- Latino: 42%
- White: 12%
Median household incomes in Monroe county
- Black: $30,034
- Latino: $33,331
- White: $64,468
The percent of students tested who met or exceeded the state standard on the NYS Grade 3 Math exam
- Black: 28%
- Latino: 32%
- White: 63%
Incarceration rates by race/ethnicity 2015
- Black: 68.5%
- Latino: 30.6%
- White: 8.5%
In 2019, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives moved its headquarters to Rochester, NY. A city with stark economic, health, and educational disparities affecting many communities, Rochester has the capability to become a model of a truly equitable community.
FDFI will leverage the legacy of Frederick Douglass, his ideas about the power of knowledge, and his insistence that we must agitate, agitate, agitate, to confront injustice and challenge policies that limit opportunity and equal treatment.
The Douglass Family Edition of The Narrative
In February 2024, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives released the Douglass Family Edition of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, a special publication designed to place this foundational American text in the hands of a new generation. Developed by direct descendants of Frederick Douglass, this edition provides historical context and educational resources that support literacy, critical thinking, and civic understanding. The project reflects FDFI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening young minds through the enduring power of Frederick Douglass’s words.
Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives
130 E. Main Street
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