Frederick Douglass Presentations
Dramatic interpretation of the lives of my great-great grandparents, tracing their working in tandem throughout the most important periods of his life, chronicling:
- His flight from slavery to freedom,
- His evolution as an abolitionist, author, orator and editor of the North Star; interaction with President Lincoln about issuing Emancipation Proclamation and allowing Blacks to fight for freedom in the Union Army;
- And his international stature gained through his ambassadorial roles in Haiti & Santo Domingo combined with his speaking engagements throughout Europe which gained him recognition as one of the world's leading intellectuals.
Particular emphasis is placed on the integral role that Anna played in key phases of his life, while she worked as a stanch conductor of the Underground Railroad, maintained the household, raised their five children and supported all of his endeavors. This portrayal is in sharp contrast to that of many historians who have hastily dismissed her as being ignorant and unlettered. Numerous contemporary woman refer to Anna as being symbolic of the women of the 1800s who labored in diverse endeavors and supported numerous causes, while being shunted to the background and left out of the history books.
Historical Components
The dramatization follows the lives of Frederick and Anna, with adaptations
being made to allow for references to the activities of Douglass in and
relevant historical details about the cities/areas where the play is being
presented. The Douglass family dresses in attire that is representative
of the emerging African American Middle class of the era.
Musical Components
B.J. Douglass, wife of Frederick Douglass IV, is regarded as one of America's
foremost A Cappella vocalists. During the dramatization, she conveys portions
of the story in song. Additionally, Mrs. Douglass interweaves patriotic
anthems, gospel and songs of light from slavery into the fabric of the
presentation. With advance planning, it is possible to involve representative
local vocal ensembles in the presentation.
Motivational Components
While the dramatization avoids being didactic or preachy, inspirational
messages are embedded. The first and foremost message is that "If
people like Frederick Douglass could come into this life as a slave and
evolve to international stature as an editor, author, orator and ambassador,
then young people in contemporary America with access to public education,
computers free libraries and other educational resources have no excuse
not to succeed."
Lectures
Frederick Douglass IV is available to lecture about the life and times
of his great-great grandfather, individually and/or as a component of
the presentation of Frederick & Anna: Alive & in Love.
Interactive Components
Participants are provided with numerous opportunities for interaction
during the day, prior to, and/or subsequent to the presentation of the
drama. The interaction can take place in a classroom or theatrical setting
prior to the dramatization. Following the dramatization, the hosting entity
has the option of holding a dialogue wherein attendees can ask questions
about slavery, abolition, racism and other issues covered by the Douglass
duo. Another option allows for the separation of males and females for
individualized sessions conducted separately by the Douglass duo on gender
issues, followed by another session where everyone discusses such issues
in the full group.
Curriculum
There is considerable flexibility for setting up the curriculum that will
be followed during the day and/or evening. Advance planning allows for
maximal benefits for the participants and the sponsoring entity.