It’s one thing to read about history in books. It’s another to see it come alive on stage. Georgia Gwinnett College on April 7 hosted the live performance, “Frederick Douglass: The Lion of Freedom.”
Dr. Michael Gunther, associate professor of history and interim department chair located off Lonnie Harvel Boulevard, says: “In a year when we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I’m looking forward to seeing Douglass’ 1852 speech ‘What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?’ portrayed on stage.”
The one-man show starred actor and storyteller Darius Wallace, who first began performing historical figures such as Malcolm X.
Wallace says: “The beautiful thing about Frederick Douglass is that he was born into conditions he didn’t ask for, and he didn’t allow those conditions to keep him bound. He utilized the power of the written and spoken word to free himself, and then to follow his passion and his purpose. I want young people to see that no matter what conditions they are born into, they have the ability, through literacy and the power of words, to dream bigger and achieve those dreams.”
During the performance, Wallace portrays not only Douglass, but several other historical figures. “They’ll see me as Douglass’ grandmother, as him when he was a little boy,” he says. “They’ll also see me as John Brown, President Abraham Lincoln and Emerson.”
For Gunther, hosting the performance at GGC holds personal significance.
“At one point early in my career I worked for a rare manuscript dealer and held authentic Frederick Douglass autographed and signed documents in my hands,” he says.
“From enslaved child in Maryland to world-famous author, activist, orator and statesman, Douglass is the most inspirational figure I teach about. I can’t wait for students, colleagues and members of the community to experience this performance.”
Following the show, Wallace will host a question-and-answer session with the audience.
“I want them to walk away believing there is a spark of inspiration within themselves that can help them overcome whatever obstacles they face,” Wallace says. “That realization that we each have that spark and that’s where our freedom truly begins.”
Raccoon tests positive for rabies near Dacula
A raccoon tested positive for rabies last week after attacking a dog March 17 near Tanner Road in Dacula. Diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons. Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways.
All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
- If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or suspected rabid animal, immediate preventive treatment is necessary. Seek medical care immediately and inform the health care provider of the exposure. Then, contact GNR Public Health at 770-339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.
