Phoenixville Area High School to spend year studying teachings of Frederick Douglass

The students at Phoenixville Area School District are part of a year-long pilot program which will explore the teachings of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) - escaped slave, fiery abolitionist, revolutionary journalist, dedicated defender of women's rights, spellbinding orator, prolific writer, trusted advisor to President Abraham Lincoln, esteemed public official, moral conscience of the nation, and an American hero.

On Thursday, October 5th, esteemed actor, Fred Morsell, will bring Douglass to life on the stage at PAHS. Morsell has inspired audiences in over 600 schools and colleges, theaters, and other venues across the United States. He was featured on "The Bill Moyers Journal" in 1994 and has made three recordings of Douglass' speeches.

The pilot program and curriculum are an initiative from the Frederick Douglas Institute, Enduring Impact Productions, and the Frederick Douglass Family Initiative. All of the students and staff will read Douglass' book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an America Slave, and will engage with community members in further exploration of Douglass' teachings.

If you are interested in participating in a book club, or partnering with the school on this initiative, please contact Sandy Claus, PASD Community Relations @ clauss@pasd.com or 484-927-5007.