Share this @internewscast.com

In an unprecedented act, descendants of some of the most prominent Civil Rights leaders from the 1950s and ’60s and other foundational historic figures are gathering at the White House on Tuesday, some convening in the same room for the first time.

The families of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, and Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, among others, are scheduled to attend.

The Descendants, as the group calls itself, will pay homage to their familial legacies as they celebrate the Black History Month event hosted by the Biden-Harris administration.

Joshua Jordison, one of the behind-the-scenes coordinators for The Descendants, said discussions to bring this group together began several years ago. 

“It was amazing that many of them had never met,” he said.

Invitations went out to other notable families, organizers said, although some were unable to attend due to scheduling and other factors.

“Having carried the ancestral weight of history upon our shoulders, The Descendants possess the unique ability to lead our nation in a much-needed spirit of collaboration and community,” Kenneth B. Morris Jr., a descendent of Frederick Douglass and his first wife, Anna Murray Douglass, told NBC News.

“This historic event marks the beginning of coalescing The Descendants’ families and like-minded leaders and organizations to catalyze transformative positive societal change amongst the most significant challenges faced by our country,” Morris said. 

Morris is also a descendant of Booker T. Washington, he said, whose families were joined by marriage in the 1940s.

Through the nonprofit he co-founded, Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, Morris’ work and that of his mother, Nettie Washington Douglass, has centered around antiracism and human rights. But he stressed that while he helped organize the convening, it is not about one person or family. “It’s an equal collaboration. We are all coming together,” he said.

Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt is a great-great-great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman. The Washington, D.C., resident hosts an annual Harriet Tubman Day celebration in the district to educate the public about the contributions of her famed ancestor. She said she was “excited” to meet the descendants of fellow freedom fighters.

Nearly 100 other guests are also expected to attend. Morris is among those expected to give remarks at the White House reception, along with several members of the Congressional Black Caucus and administration officials. Organizers were not sure if the president or vice president would stop by. 

Beyond the official gathering, a series of activities for the descendant families will be held in the district on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Their itinerary is expected to include stops at the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, Supreme Court and a tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, as well as dinners and opportunities for group dialogue.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Identities Released of Three Campers Who Died as Texas Flood Death Toll Increases

Three young girls were found dead after a devastating flood swept through…
'The Office' actor Craig Robinson reveals he's quitting comedy to 'focus on my true calling'

‘The Office’ Star Craig Robinson Announces Shift Away from Comedy to Pursue ‘My True Passion’

Is this a joke? Comedian Craig Robinson, best known for his role…
Even before Glastonbury Festival hate chants, UK Jews warned of alarming rise in antisemitism

UK Jews Highlight Growing Antisemitism Before Glastonbury Festival Controversy

Jewish leaders in the UK were outraged this weekend following antisemitic chants…
Trump to sign tax and spending bill into law at July 4 picnic

Trump to Approve Tax and Spending Bill During July 4th Celebration

The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid…
Collage of illustrations of world leaders as children.

Putin Uses Cartoons Featuring Baby Trump to Influence Young Children Early

TWISTED Putin’s brainwashing programme has plunged to new depths with a dystopian…
Fever are 'more dangerous' without Caitlin Clark: ESPN analyst

ESPN Analyst Says Fever Are at Greater Risk Without Caitlin Clark

One ESPN analyst stirred the pot on “SportsCenter” after the Fever’s win…
Subway riders deliver street justice to brute who grabbed screaming woman on platform

Subway Commuters Take Action Against Man Who Attacked Woman on Platform

A group of everyday New York City subway riders delivered some street…
Natasha Cloud's WNBA All-Star Game case isn't straightforward

Natasha Cloud’s Pitch for WNBA All-Star Selection Is Complicated

The Liberty will be well represented at All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later…
Man in a black jacket holding a red chainsaw.

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Party to Restore American ‘Freedom’ Following Fallout with Trump and Departure from White House

ELON Musk has launched a new political following his explosive row with…
Julian McMahon's 'Charmed' co-stars remembers the late actor: 'One of a kind'

Julian McMahon’s Former ‘Charmed’ Cast Members Pay Tribute: ‘Truly Unique’

The women of “Charmed” are remembering their late co-star. Julian McMahon, who…
Passengers evacuating a Ryanair plane on the tarmac.

Ryanair Plane in Majorca Experiences Fire Alert; 18 Injured as Passengers Evacuate and Jump from Wing

EIGHTEEN people were injured after a fire alert onboard a Ryanair plane…