25th+ Anniversary Celebration Of Frederick Douglass Institution

WEST CHESTER —West Chester University is celebrating the 25 anniversary of the Frederick Douglass Institute Wednesday with a talk about Douglass’ life rising from a slave to abolitionist leader.
The public is invited to attend the celebration Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. in Philips Autograph Library, 700 South High St. The event is free of charge.
Robert S. Levine, University of Maryland distinguished professor of English and distinguished scholar-teacher, will provide a keynote speech, “Impeachment: Frederick Douglass and Andrew Johnson After the Civil War.”
The speech will focus on Levine's recent book, “The Failed Promise: Frederick Douglass, Reconstruction, and the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson.” (W.W. Norton, 2021).
“West Chester University is especially proud of the ongoing work of the Frederick Douglass Institute and its efforts to provide compelling programming that deepens multicultural studies throughout our University,” Chris Fiorentino, university president, said in a university press release. “We are deeply honored to have Professor Levine with us to celebrate the Institute’s historical importance to this University and to the Chester County community.
“As we pay tribute to the ideals that Frederick Douglass outlined so eloquently, I would hope that he would be proud of West Chester University as it continues to raise its hand high to act as a catalyst for U.S. social change and for its eagerness to increase cultural competency at a time when much work remains.”
On Feb. 1, 1895, just days before his death, Douglass delivered his last public lecture on the University’s campus. A statue of Douglass, which was erected in 2006 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is featured in the University’s Academic Quad.
Through the leadership of WCU, there are Frederick Douglass Institutes at all 14 campuses
of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. More information is available at https://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/fdouglass/