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
Swimmer vanishes after possible shark encounter off California coast during group outing

Swimmer Missing Following Suspected Shark Interaction During Group Outing off California Coast

A woman who disappeared during a swim on Sunday is suspected to…
Macgregor: 1971 Gold Betrayal Stole Middle Class

Gold Standard Abandonment in 1971: How It Impacted the Middle Class

Retired Army Col. Douglas Macgregor is sounding an alarm that cuts across…
Should Florida truck drivers be required to take CDL testing, instruction in English?

Florida Debates English-Only CDL Testing for Truck Drivers: Implications for Safety and Diversity

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, is spearheading a legislative push aimed…
Members of international organized residential burglary ring arrested after posing as Amazon drivers, Irvine, CA break-in | Video

Shocking Incident: ICE Agent Opens Fire on Cuban Man Following SUV Collision in St. Paul

In a dramatic encounter in St. Paul, Minnesota, an Immigration and Customs…
Long Island man airlifted to hospital after fireworks go off in his lap

Shocking Fireworks Mishap: Long Island Man’s Close Call Leads to Emergency Airlift

A 65-year-old man from Long Island suffered a severe injury and needed…
Pilot reports UFO hovering beside jet, leaving air traffic control stunned: 'Good luck with the aliens'

Pilot Encounters UFO Mid-Flight: Air Traffic Control in Shock as ‘Alien’ Incident Unfolds

While soaring over Rhode Island, the pilot of a private jet encountered…
What is Festivus? What to know about the holiday from 'Seinfeld' for the rest of us

Discover the Meaning Behind Festivus: The ‘Seinfeld’ Holiday Tradition Explained

Are you finding it hard to connect with the festive cheer this…
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement

Groundbreaking: Aetna Expands IVF Coverage to Support Same-Sex Couples Nationwide

Mara Berton and June Higginbotham, like countless young girls, always dreamed of…
Repeat offender allegedly kills Ohio man just days after nonprofit pays his bail

Ohio Tragedy: Repeat Offender’s Bail Release Ends in Fatal Consequence

In a troubling turn of events, an Ohio man with a history…
NYC ordered to pay $2.5M to George Floyd protestor in excessive force lawsuit

New York City to Pay $2.5 Million Settlement in Excessive Force Case Involving George Floyd Protestor

A federal jury has decided to award $2.56 million to a protestor…
Trump holds an event with Rubio and Hegseth during vacation as tensions with Venezuela mount

Trump Hosts Event with Rubio and Hegseth Amid Escalating Tensions with Venezuela

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump is convening a meeting…
Ohio kids as young as 8 steal car, lead police on chase crash into home, worried about Santa, presents: police

Ohio Children, Aged 8, Involved in Car Theft and Police Pursuit, Crash into Home: Concerns Over Santa and Christmas Presents Emerge

Three young boys from Ohio, with an 11-year-old behind the wheel, led…