City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, July 6, 2023) – Mayor Malik D. Evans today joined City Councilmember LaShay Harris, South District, representatives of Empire State Development, NYS Canal Corporation, Fredrick Douglass Family Initiatives, and the Corn Hill Neighbors Association to unveil a monument of famed abolitionist Fredrick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln created by Rochester resident and artist Olivia Kim entitled “Salt of the Earth, Light of the World.” The artist gave it this name in reference to Matthew 5:13-16 — “Salt of the earth” — meaning both men being self-made — and “light of the world” — drawing a correlation with Douglass’s abolitionist newspaper, The North Star.
“The monument we dedicated today depicts a significant meeting between Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C., on August 19, 1864, where Douglass believed that President Abraham Lincoln had finally come to understand that the ultimate mission of the Union Army must be the freedom of millions of enslaved Americans not just reunification,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We would never be the country we are today without both of these men. Our daily work at City Hall also relies on collaboration and on people willing to come together to create a city of hope for every resident. I know this monument will continue to inspire and engage residents and visitors today and for future generations.”
Cast in bronze, the monument stands approximately 10 feet tall, and is located at The North Star Commons along the Genesee Riverway Trail in the Corn Hill neighborhood. The figure of Frederick Douglass is positioned to the north, welcoming people to our city from the South, and President Lincoln serves as a “North star” to our nation.
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The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s
Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the
“Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of Rochester.