A Live Reading of Frederick Douglass with Music at the Morse School
Schedule
Sat Jun 20 2026 at 05:30 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Morse Elementary School | Cambridge, MA
About this Event
In 1852, Frederick Douglass stood before a crowd and asked a question that still echoes today. Join us for a live reading of his speech, accompanied by original music by Chibuzo Dunun that gives sound and breath to Douglass's words.
Historian and Harvard Law Professor Nicholas Bowie will contextualize Douglass' speech — its history, the national debate over slavery and freedom, and the courage behind one of the most powerful speeches in American history. Artists, community members, and audience members who wish to join will take turns reading passages of the speech aloud. Poet Jean Dany Joachim will then lead small group discussions on the speech and its relevance to our lives today. The evening closes with music, followed by dinner and open social time.
We invite you to interpret Douglass's words through your own identity, experience, and vision for justice — and to leave feeling more connected to each other and to the work still ahead.
This program is made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and co-sponsorship by Friends of the Morse School.
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5:30–8:00 PM, doors open at 5:15 PM | Morse Elementary School, Cambridge, MA
Child care is available; reserve by e-mailing [email protected] as space is limited.
Agenda
🕑: 05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Welcome, History, and Live Reading with Music
Info: Nicholas Bowie will provide historical context for Douglass' speech, after which artists and community members will take turns reading passages of the abridged text, with Chibuzo Dunun setting the tone through music and soundscape.
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Facilitated Group Discussion
Info: Chibuzo Dunun will perform music to create space for optional movement, breath work, and singing. Jean Dany Joachim will then facilitate small group discussions exploring the speech's contemporary context.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Closing Remarks, Dinner, and Social Time
Info: Chibuzo Dunun closes the evening with remarks and music celebrating the unity and freedom at the heart of Douglass's vision, followed by dinner and open social time.
Where is it happening?
Morse Elementary School, 40 Granite Street, Cambridge, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
