Legacy Families Have Historic Meeting With Maryland Governor Wes Moore

courtesy of (governor wes moore Instagram)

Tarence Bailey, Sr, the 5x great nephew of Fredrick Douglass, also the president of Operation Fredrick Douglass on the Hill and the Fredrick Douglass Society of African American History Culture and Affairs, said something no one really had thought about during a recent meeting. It was the first time members of the Fredrick Douglass (Bailey, Sr) and Harriet Tubman family (Tonet Cuffee), together, had an organized meeting with a state government official. Not to mention, the highest state government official, Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

Operation Fredrick Douglass on the Hill and the Fredrick Douglass Society of African American History Culture and Affairs whose executive board members are from legacy families including, Dr. Illyasa Shabazz, daughter of the late great Minister Malcolm X and Shelly Lucas Wood, the 4x great granddaughter of the great Nat Turner.

Along with the Bailey/Douglass, Ross/Tubman, Shabazz and Turner families, as executive board members, are the Haley, Brooks and Wayman families.

Other board members include, Lykinda Camper, Haki Shakur Ammi, Dondre "Donni-Oh" Phoenix, La'reka Marshall, Frank Green and Lakia Pierce.

This is truly an incredible collection of historical members that haven't been organized for one common goal, previous to this collective. Their goal is to preserve and correctly share the history of not only their ancestors, but the history of African descendants throughout the Eastern Shore, Maryland and beyond.

Recently, they personally met with Maryland Governor Wes Moore at his office, to discuss their organizational initiatives.

The meeting went incredibly well and Governor Wes Moore is in full support of the organization's initiatives.

The greatest of their initiatives include the creation of The Grace Brooks Building, which will be the hub and international destination for those seeking to understand the African American experience, particularly the history of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, including The Hill Community.

Sketch of proposed Grace Brooks Building

The building will be located in the Hill Community, Easton, Maryland.

The Hill Community is the oldest FREE black community in the nation.

On February 14, 2026 the official launch of the Fredrick Douglass Society of African American History Culture and Affairs will be announced during the 208th Birthday Celebration of Fredrick Douglass. Celebrate the enduring legacy of one of history’s greatest voices for justice with an evening of culture, elegance, and empowerment. Don’t miss this historic occasion!

To find out more about Operation Fredrick Douglass On the Hill and the Fredrick Douglass Society of African American History Culture and Affairs visit fdhill.org