‘Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches’ Doc to Debut on HBO This Month
thewrap.comth century America that corresponded to different stages of Douglass’ life. Famed scholars David Blight, Henry Louis Gates Jr.
and others provide context for the speeches, and André Holland reads from Douglass’ autobiographies.The lineup includes: “I Have Come To Tell You Something About Slavery” (1841) performed by Denzel Whitaker, “Country, Conscience, And The Anti-Slavery Cause” (1847) performed by Jonathan Majors, “What, To The Slave, Is The Fourth Of July?” (1852) performed by Nicole Beharie, “The Proclamation And A Negro Army” (1863) performed by Colman Domingo and “Lessons Of The Hour” (1894) performed by Jeffrey Wright.
Inspired by David Blight’s Pulitzer Prize winning biography, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” and executive produced by scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the film features five speeches written by the prominent anti-slavery activist.After Douglass escaped from slavery at age 20, he became the famous for his words, and for challenging the American spirit in living up to the principles on which the country was founded.
His writing and speaking made him one of the most well-known Black men in the nineteenth century, and he was entirely self-taught.
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