Current Programs
"Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass"
Professional
actor/educator Fred Morsell and the Morris County Human Relations
Commission (MCHRC) are celebrating this month the 10th
anniversary of the Commission's "Presenting Mr. Frederick
Douglass" project in Morris County.
Since the 1996-97 school year, Morsell has brought the program to
over 30,000 students at 31 schools in 23 of the county's school
districts. He has also portrayed the famous 19th-century escaped
slave, orator, writer, and advocate for racial and gender justice
before many area community audiences.
A professional actor since 1968, Morsell grew up in a family
strongly associated with civil rights. His father was an
associate of Roy Wilkinson in the NAACP.
"But even with that," he recalls, " I knew only about three
blacks who played a role in American history: Crispus Atticus
(Boston Massacre), George Washington Carver and Frederick
Douglass. And even though I graduated from Frederick Douglass
High School, I knew little about him."
History, over all, was not his favorite subject. "The only course
I failed in college was American history," he admits with a
rueful grin. Now, he said, history and Douglass are his
life. A professional actor since 1968, Morsell has
been portraying Douglass since 1984 in schools throughout the
country.
The program is a powerful history, pro-literacy and
anti-prejudice program developed from Douglass' own writings.
Morsell leads his audience through Douglass' journey from slavery
to freedom and repeats his message of individual dignity and
self-worth, the value of literacy and learning and the call for
equality and justice. He also conducts class discussions and
leads workshops for students and educators.
Sue Rosenthal, president of the Human Relations Commission, said
the organization has been a primary sponsor of the educational
program and annually provides a grant to underwrite a portion of
the costs of bringing Morsell's performance to the county,
including transportation from his home in Montana and lodging.
Schools pay performance fees.
In the past, financial supporters of the project also have
included the Dodge Foundation, the Page Hill Foundation, the
Fanny and Svante Knistrom Foundation, and the Morristown Housing
Authority. The project has also received in-kind support from
King's Super Markets, Inc. and Summerfield Suites in Morris
Township, with additional funding from the Board of Chosen
Freeholders, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, and a number
of community groups.
During the 2005-2006 school year, Morsell brought his Douglass
portrayal and Douglass Scholars Program workshops to Randolph
Middle School, Morris School District's Frelinghuysen Middle
School, Montville High School, Parsippany High School, Parsippany
Hills High School, West Morris Central High School, Mendham High
School, and Dover High School.
Many schools book the performance year after year, tying it to
the study of American history, particularly the Civil War period.
For some schools, it has become part of the curriculum.
Schools interested in more information or scheduling the
Commission's "Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass" program
should contact project coordinator Roberta Francis, 973-765-0102.
Costs
The Commission provides program coordination and funds logistical support for the project. Costs to schools are:
- $1,000 for the assembly alone or $1,600 for an assembly plus another program component (for example: twp class discussions, a second assembly, or a Douglass Scholars Program small-group scenario workshop).
- Educator workshops are available for $500 for one-hour, $1,500 for a three-hour session.