[1] Unveiled in 2015, the statue was designed by sculptor Andrew Edwards, who was inspired by artwork representing then-president Barack Obama and Moses.

The square surrounding the statue features stone pavers and a vertical Corten steel wall with Douglass's words inscribed on them.

"[3] The statue was the result of years of efforts on the part of campus leaders to honor this important Marylander and to reaffirm commitment to social justice.

History professor Ira Berlin was part of this group, who called themselves the North Stars after the abolitionist newspaper Douglass edited.

According to Berlin, "The vision of myself and the North Stars was to have Frederick Douglass on campus to speak to the question of social justice.