From left:  Dr. Robert Girvan, Dr. Uraina Pack, Dr. James Trotman, Dr. Jocelind Gant, Fred Morsell, Dr. Greg Goodman, and Dr. Brenda Dede.

            Clarion University celebrated the 10th anniversary of Frederick Douglass Collaborative at Clarion University during its annual Equity Week Programs.

            A roundtable panel presentation followed by a dramatic presentation "The Last Word on Race" by Mr. Fred Morsell, kick-off speaker, were the primary events that marked the Nov. 10, celebration.            

            The roundtable presentation, "The Last Word on "Race and Gender," held at Eagle Commons consisted of faculty, Frederick Douglass scholars and guests, who shared their research on the related topic to an audience of approximately 55 faculty staff and students. The panelists included:

            Dr. Fred Goodman, professor of education and co-chair of Clarion University's Frederick Douglass Program, presented on "Urban Dropouts."  This research paper was co-authored by Dr. Adriel Hilton, last year's Frederick Douglass teaching scholar, and is a currently under consideration for publication.

            Dr. Uraina Pack, professor of English, a Frederick Douglass Scholar Alumna, and a Clarion University Frederick Douglass Program committee member, provided a commentary on Douglass' 1852 speech, "Meaning of July 4 for Negroes."

            Amil Cook, a Clarion University alumni and former Frederick Douglass graduate student, presented on "Afro-Brazilians and Afro-Latinos."

            Dr. Kathleen Welsch, professor of English at Clarion University and Clarion University Frederick Douglass Committee member, discussed the "Issue of Class" and its intersection with race and gender.

            Frederick Morsell explained how he made the decision to perform a one-man show performing as Douglass. He commended Dr. James Trotman for his vision in implementing the Frederick Douglass collaborative. In his concluding remarks, he noted: "What you are doing here is not continuing the legacy of Frederick Douglass, you are living it."

            Dr. James Trotman, professor of English at West Chester University and director and founder of the Frederick Douglass Institute, West Chester University, wrapped up the activities by explaining the mission and vision of the Frederick Douglass Institute of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and encouraging all to follow the example of Douglass. He next recognized

Clarion University's commitment to the Frederick Douglass Collaboration by presenting:

            Dr. Greg Goodman, professor of education, Dr. Brenda Dede, assistant vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Robert Girvan, professor of sociology, and Dr. Cahndice Matthews, assistant professor of education, with a plaque for support and encouragement of Frederick Douglass Scholars at Clarion University.

            Dr. Jocelind Gant, Assistant to the President for Social Equity, moderator of the roundtable  and Fred Morsell , Equity Week kick-off speaker, with plaques in recognition of their charter membership and commitment to the Frederick Douglass program.

            Dr. Uraina Pack, with a book in recognition of her continuing support of the program.

            At the introduction of the roundtable, Gant greeted those attending and provided a brief chronicle of the ten-year history of the Frederick Douglass Program at Clarion. She emphasized the three focal components:

            •The Frederick Douglass Summer Scholars program provides university teaching experience for advanced doctoral students while serving as a pipeline to diversify Clarion's faculty.

            •The Frederick Douglass Collection in Carlson Library, a collection that has a dual emphasis of increasing the number of titles acquired for ethnic minority children and young adults; plus continuing development of the library's African-American history collection, especially in the areas of slavery related to Douglass' life and times.

            •The Frederick Douglass Graduate Assistantship intended to diversify Clarion University's racial composition in its graduate student population.

            In the 10 years the Douglass program has been in operation at Clarion University, it has hosted 22 teaching scholars, two of whom, Pack and Matthews, are now Clarion University faculty members; and 21 Frederick Douglass graduate students. She announced the intentions to expand the Douglass Program to an institute.

            Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an escaped slave, fiery abolitionist, revolutionary journalist, dedicated defender of women's rights, a spellbinding orator, prolific writer, advisor to President Abraham Lincoln, and a public official.

            Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.