LYNN – MBTA’s ferry the Schoodic Explorer has officially been renamed to The Frederick Douglass, thanks to Thurgood Marshall Middle School sixth grader Elsa Marie McKendall.
McKendall was selected as the winner of MTBA’s ferry renaming contest, and a ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Lynn Blossom Ferry Terminal to celebrate the rededication of the vessel.
The MBTA solicited names for the contest this past spring for three vessels in total, and Lynn is the third ferry to be renamed this year. There were dozens of submissions in total on behalf of various schools in Lynn, Quincy, Winthrop, and Boston, according to an MBTA press release.
“The contest was a way to reengage with the communities that we support, but with the future leaders of our growing and fantastic commonwealth. Elsa and her essay really came to heart when the teams were reviewing the submissions,” MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said at the event.
Abolitionist and Lynn resident Frederick Douglass’ name was chosen for the Schoodic Explorer ferry due to his connection to the city’s character and history.
“We know how personal transportation can be, and having the boat named after Frederick Douglass is that personal connection that will live on forever. It’s rooted in the history of everything that we do here,” Eng said.
MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said, “Frederick Douglass dedicated his entire life to creating access and options for those who came over here and didn’t have those options. So hearing what Elsa and these students did, it shows that not only is his legacy continuing to live on, but it also shows the future generation is going to take care of our communities.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson added, “This is a proud moment for the entire region as we celebrate the future of water transit, and the importance that is going to play for Lynn and the surrounding area. I’m excited for this moment because it connects our future on the water with our very proud history. This decision connects some of the most important moments of Lynn history and the connection of public transportation with justice.”
McKendall also explained what Frederick Douglass means to her and why she chose his name for the contest entry.
“I am honored that Frederick Douglass was picked. He fought for the freedom and rights of African Americans. Because of this, he is my hero, and the reason I am proud that a ferry will be named in the honor of his legacy,” she said.
The new ferry name was made official following a maritime tradition that involved Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll smashing a champagne bottle while on the deck, and McKendall unveiling the Frederick Douglass title across the vessel.
