The Rochester Oratorio Society paid tribute to Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman through song on Saturday.

For Douglass's 200th birthday, the Oratorio Society's touring group Resonanz read excerpts from some of his orations, played gospel music, spirituals and more. The one hour event at the Arnett Branch Library also featured solo vocalists and a choir.

One library-goer says it's important to recognize Tubman's and Douglass's contributions.

"We don't have to get tortured and stuff and we know how they helped us not be in slavery anymore," said Alaj’zia James of Rochester.

The Rochester Oratorio Society has a performance coming up in December.