Frederick Douglass's Birthday Party -- Sat,Feb 12th
Its Frederick Douglass’s birthday and we are having a party! Come to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Frederick Douglass’s 193rd birthday.
This year’s theme focuses on Frederick Douglass the author and book lover and we will be taking book donations to help the Ballou High School Library. Award-winning local author and poet, R. Dwayne Betts, will deliver the keynote address. Betts’ recent memoir, A Question of Freedom tells his story of turning to literature while coming of age in prison. He won the NAACP Image Award for Literary Debut and currently serves as the national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice.
University of Rochester Professor John Michael will speak on Frederick Douglass’ extensive library. In his most recent book, Identity and the Failure of America from Thomas Jefferson to the War on Terror, Professor Michael writes about Douglass’ cosmopolitanism. Professor Michael’s honors include serving as a Presidential Fellow and Fulbright Lecturer. On screen, local film producer Tendani Mpulubusi El will present his documentary on the history of the neighborhood, Hillsdale: Past and Present. Programs will also be streamed live from Douglass’ former home in New Bedford (now part of New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park). There will also be music, face painting and activities for children. We will also proudly be featuring this year's oratorical contest winners giving their award winning speeches at the opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and at other times during the day.
Julie Kutruff
Site Manager Frederick Douglass NHS and Fort Circle Parks
(202) 426-5961 Desk
(202) 426-0880 Fax
University of Rochester Professor John Michael will speak on Frederick Douglass’ extensive library. In his most recent book, Identity and the Failure of America from Thomas Jefferson to the War on Terror, Professor Michael writes about Douglass’ cosmopolitanism. Professor Michael’s honors include serving as a Presidential Fellow and Fulbright Lecturer. On screen, local film producer Tendani Mpulubusi El will present his documentary on the history of the neighborhood, Hillsdale: Past and Present. Programs will also be streamed live from Douglass’ former home in New Bedford (now part of New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park). There will also be music, face painting and activities for children. We will also proudly be featuring this year's oratorical contest winners giving their award winning speeches at the opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. and at other times during the day.
Julie Kutruff
Site Manager Frederick Douglass NHS and Fort Circle Parks
(202) 426-5961 Desk
(202) 426-0880 Fax