Today, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) marked a special milestone at the Blossom Street Pier in Lynn with the renaming of a ferry. Now dubbed the Frederick Douglass, the vessel was previously known as the Schoodic Explorer. Joining the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority fleet, it is set to enhance the ferry service in the region, supporting routes to Lynn and beyond.
A local fifth-grade student, who stepped into sixth grade just as the ferry embarks on a new chapter, suggested the name that honors the storied connection between the abolitionist and the city. Unveiling the new moniker, the ceremony involved the formal clearing of the old name, with local students, community pillars, and political figures in attendance. The MBTA, earlier in the year, had reached out to the young minds of Lynn, Quincy, Winthrop, and Boston in a competition to rename three of its ferries, seeking names that resonated with the spirit and history of each locale. This initiative was part of wider efforts to rejuvenate waterborne transport, as stated by Governor Maura Healey in a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority release, emphasizing public transportation that is "easier, faster and more efficient for everyone."
But not just a nod to the past, the renaming event signals the state's ongoing commitment to values of freedom and equity, reflecting in their choice of the moniker Frederick Douglass. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll told Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, "By renaming this boat in honor of one of our state's most important leaders, we're reaffirming our legacy as a state that has always promoted freedom and equity for all."
The significance of the ferry's new name is not lost on the leaders who gathered to witness its christening. As per remarks made by MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt in a recent Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announcement, "Naming this new ferry in honor of Frederick Douglass is...also a statement of who we strive to be as a Commonwealth." These comments underscore a vision of an integrated society, where accessibility in transit mirrors the accessibility of opportunity. Acknowledging this vision, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng commended not only the student whose suggestion won but also all participating faculty and students for their engagement in the democratic process of naming a public utility.
Dr. Evonne Alvarez, Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools, proudly remarked on the student's contribution to recollecting the city's heritage, as Frederick Douglass plays a pivotal role in both the legacy of Lynn and the broader sweep of civil rights. The dedication ceremony, steeped in maritime tradition, concluded with well wishes for the newly named ferry, now ready to carry the legacy of Douglass across the waters it will traverse, fostering connections that transcend mere physical distances, fostering links between communities. In the words of Phil Eng, who spoke at the event about the successful launch and embraced service, the Frederick Douglass stands as a proud testament to the state's commitment to a brighter future for all its residents.
