​​​ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​Those flying into Rochester now have a new sight to see when stepping into the terminal – a symbol of perseverance - a bronze statue dedicated to the man the airport was named after, the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The creation of the statue was initiated back in 2018 to mark the 200^th anniversary of Douglass’ birth.

He spent 25 years in Rochester, resulting in some of his life’s most important work, such as the abolitionist’s newspaper, The North Star.

Mayor Malik Evans says this new statue at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport will serve as a reminder for today’s youth what is possible.

“They are going to learn the name Frederick Douglass and know that all that he went through, all that he did back in those days, even with the threats of violence, that he was still able to advance, and start the path for our people," Evans said. "That’s why we do this. That’s why this monument is important. For some child, they will get the motivation to press on."

The Douglass statue joins 14 other scattered across the city of Rochester.