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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Paramus, NJ, United States, 02/14/2008 - At 11:00 am on Thursday, February 14, the day Frederick Douglass chose as his birthday, over 30 local 4th and 5th grade elementary school children will attend Frederick Douglass’s 190th birthday celebration at 320 A Street, NE, Washington, DC.
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Frederick Douglass Re-enactor Holds 189th Birthday Party with Kids Wearing Douglass Masks
It is no coincidence that February was chosen as Black History Month. Frederick Douglass, the pre-eminent champion of slaves during his time, celebrated his birth (his birth records were never found) and met his death during February.
At 11:00 am on Thursday, February 14, the day Douglass chose as his birthday, over 30 local 4th and 5th grade elementary school children will attend Frederick Douglass’s 190th birthday celebration as Douglass himself. The party will take place at Douglass’ first Washington, D.C home, now The Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans, located at 320 A Street, NE.
These students will have the opportunity to learn about Douglass’ past accomplishments, his childhood as a slave, teaching himself to read and write, his best-selling autobiographies, and his meetings with President Lincoln to discuss the freedom of slaves. After the students learn about Douglass’ life, wearing life-sized masks, they will surround the re-enactor for a photo-op at his desk, on loan from the Smithsonian Museum. They will then sing “Happy Birthday” and present him with a cake to mark what would have been his 190th birthday.
President Lincoln regarded Douglass as “one of the most meritorious men, if not the most meritorious man, in the United States.” Those are hard shoes to step into, however, famed Douglass re-enactor Fred Morsell shares Douglass’ life, message of justice and keys to success with ease.
The Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans is maintained by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice and The Caring Institute. The museum has been restored to its 1870s appearance, and in the years to come the building will, in the words of Douglass continue to “teach the people the sacredness of human rights and the brotherhood of man.”
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