The Frederick Douglass Honor Society is pleased to welcome Celeste-Marie Bernier, Professor of Black Studies and Personal Chair in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland for a discussion of her new book, If I Survive. The program will focus on the private life of Frederick Douglass as a family man, whose reform work was made possible not only through his own vision and determination but with the support and collaborative efforts of his family.
Marking two hundred years since the birth of Frederick Douglass, If I Survive is a collection of previously unpublished essays, speeches, autobiographies and letters written by the women and men in the Douglass family. Working together against a changing backdrop of US slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction, the Douglass family fought for a new “dawn of freedom.” The 900-page book includes a Douglass family biography with beautiful, powerful and breathtaking letters, stories and photographs of Frederick Douglass and his sons, Lewis Henry, Frederick Jr. and Charles Remond Douglass. Unafraid to die for the cause, each dedicated his life to the emancipation of slavery and to social justice.
“These are timely, relevant topics,” says Eric Lowery, President of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society. “Frederick Douglass is an American hero. His vision and willingness to fight for his ideals through reason, consensus-building and peaceful advocacy are vital messages for all of us, especially our youth.”
This event is part of a series of evening programs held in conjunction with Shore Explorations, Land Water and Life, a month-long immersive exhibition focusing on what it means to be “of the Eastern Shore”. The inspiration for the exhibition comes from Frederick Douglass, perhaps the best known Eastern Shore native. The renowned social reformer, abolitionist, orator and statesman maintained life-long connections to the Eastern Shore community.
The Frederick Douglass Honor Society is offering this program as a free event to the community. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Waterfowl Building /Festival Hall at 40 S. Harrison Street and will include music by Friends in Faith, followed by Professor Bernier’s presentation. To reserve your seat, please call 410-316-6061. Books will be available and can be purchased with cash, check or credit card for $25 at the event.
For more information about the Frederick Douglass Honor Society visit www.frederickdouglasshonorsociety.org.
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