Abolitionist's story brought to life at library in Toledo

Jennifer Smith performs in 'Magic Freddy,' depicting Frederick Douglass. Four actors tell the story of the slave who struggled to be free, learned to read, and became one of the leading abolitionists. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT Enlarge | Photo Reprints

History holds lessons about the present, not just the past.

That was the overriding message that emerged Saturday from a performance at the Kent Branch Library in central Toledo about the life and struggles of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The show, performed by a cast of four local actors, told the story of Mr. Douglass' brutal treatment at the hands of white slave owners, his determined pursuit of freedom despite setbacks, and his perilous but successful escape to liberty in New Bedford, Mass. Three of the actors narrated the story, using excerpts from Mr. Douglass' own writings along with photos and projected images.

While highlighting events of the 19th century, the performance also addressed the modern-day problem of youth violence within the African-American community, an issue that has roiled Toledo in recent months.

One of the narrators plays a mother whose son -- in an eerie spoof on the children's classic Pinocchio -- has turned into a gun as a result of his violent activities.

The mother chides the boy and urges him to learn about his history and the motivations for his forefathers' fight.

"This may sound so old-fashioned, because we don't live in those times anymore," the narrator says. "But in order to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been."

After listening to the story, the son, who shares the name Frederick Douglass, apologizes to his mother for his actions and transforms back into a boy.

"You see, son, your namesake fought, but look why he fought," the mother explains. "He's not fighting like you and your friends."

Hunter Turner portrays Frederick Douglass in ‘Magic Freddy' at the Kent branch library in central Toledo. He said after the performance Saturday that he was inspired by Mr. Douglass' peaceful approach to fighting slavery. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Imelda Hunt, artistic director and founder of New Works Writers Series, said she created the show with Toledo's spate of gun violence in mind. She said she wanted the performance to teach people about African-American history, highlight the contrast between blacks' fight against oppression in the past and modern-day urban conflict, and explain solidarity's role in the struggle against slavery.

"Violence is not generally a part of the African-American heritage," Ms. Hunt indicated. "If it was, it was part of an escape to freedom and survival, not so much predicated on violence of Africans against Africans."

Frederick Douglass' example and works also point to how African-Americans at the time stood together and did not fight each other, she said. Toledo's community must do the same, she said.

"I know we're in a transition in this city, to come away from the violence, and so we all have to be on one accord," she said. "We all need to pull together and look at where we've come from."

For performer Hunter Turner, who played Frederick Douglass, the most inspiring part of the abolitionist's character was his peaceful approach to fighting slavery.

"During a time like that, some people, they would fight slavery physically," Mr. Turner told the audience during a question-and-answer session. "He was kind of an internal warrior. … It was his thoughts and how he thought about going about it that very much impressed me."

The actor emphasized Mr. Douglass' intellectual capacity and his desire to learn, including teaching himself to read. That achievement allowed the former slave to become an eloquent communicator, eroding the notion at the time that blacks were intellectually inferior.

Jennifer Smith, one of the narrators, said African-American youth today need to become more aware of their past.

"Children don't really understand where they've come from and their history, and you see so much violence among the younger generation," she said. "If they knew more about their history, maybe there wouldn't be so much destruction toward each other."

Although the audience at Saturday's performance was small -- just 14, nine of them children -- Ms. Hunt said she was not disappointed with the turnout. Even if she reaches only one person, the director said, she considers the show a success.

Robin Elaine Kendrick, a teacher and central-city resident who brought her 8-year-old nephew Jacob to the performance, was of the same opinion.

"Don't be misled by the numbers," she said, gesturing toward Jacob. "You never know. He could be the next president of the United States. You never underestimate teaching and learning experiences."

Robin Elaine Kendrick and her nephew Jacob Kendrick, 8, view the New Works Writers Series production. Jacob said he had studied about Frederick Douglass at school. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Ms. Kendrick said she took her nephew to the show as part of her efforts to acquaint him with his history.

"I want the young people to start learning about their roots at an early age," she said. "You have to know who you are, where you've been, your historical roots. Then you can project forward."

Jacob, who watched the performance intently, said he enjoyed it because he had learned about Frederick Douglass at school.

"He's my favorite kind of black history person," he said.

Additional public performances of Magic Freddy are scheduled at the Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., on Saturday at 2 p.m., and at the Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd., on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Claudia Boyd-Barrett cbarrett@theblade.com or 419-724-6272