“I have always been taught Douglass lived in New Bedford in the mid-1800s after escaping slavery. His powerful testimony - both spoken and written - is a fixture in Alma’s curriculum, and scholars across grade levels study his work and life each year.
that a hero is someone who helps people,” Alma third grade scholar Trinity Olafikun
Jamiel Tavares, an eighth grade scholar at Alma, honored Douglass during the ceremony by sharing his 1847 speech ‘Farewell to the British People’ with the audience.
told an intimate crowd for our
“I’ve always admired the story of Frederick Douglass and how he fought for others who couldn’t fight for themselves,” Tavares said. “The speech I chose, along with the opening quote, spoke to me as a middle schooler living in our current society when I often have to stand up for my beliefs even if I have to endure being made fun of by my peers or others.”
“Frederick Douglass helped
Compass Project Management, the firm who led on the school’s successful construction project in 2015-2016, is also leading on this project, and construction is expected to be completed by December 2021. Following an extensive process with the state’s Designer Selection Board, Arrowstreet was selected to lead on the architectural design of Alma’s new campus. As a charter public school, Alma does not receive the same state subsidies that district public schools receive to finance their facilities, and as such, Alma must use operating revenues. www.almadelmar.org
ceremonial groundbreaking. so many people. This is how I know Frederick Douglass was a true hero.” Critical details of the building remain unfunded. To learn how you may support this project, contact us at impact@almadelmar.org 17
