Frederick Douglass IV
A one-man portrayal of the man some consider the father of the civil rights movement
An actor best known for roles in hit science fiction fare is now bringing real history to the stage with “Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery,” a one-man portrayal of the man some consider the father of the civil rights movement. Mel Johnson Jr.’s educational and entertaining performance, chronicling Douglass’ life from his childhood…
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An actor best known for roles in hit science fiction fare is now bringing real history to the stage with “Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery,” a one-man portrayal of the man some consider the father of the civil rights movement.
Mel Johnson Jr.’s educational and entertaining performance, chronicling Douglass’ life from his childhood as a slave to his eventual role as a leading abolitionist. The production, which includes a look at Douglass’ friendships with Susan B. Anthony, John Brown and Abraham Lincoln, incorporates gripping plantation songs in the telling of Douglass’ life.
Johnson, an accomplished actor and director in movies, television and on Broadway, is perhaps best known roles as the mutant cab driver Benny in the 1990 science fiction film “Total Recall.”
Fans of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” will recognize him as Broca, the Cardassian who becomes leader of the Cardassian Union in the show’s final two episodes.
On television, Johnson was a regular on David Lynch’s “On the Air,” and he has guest-starred on many shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Practice.” On Broadway, Johnson recently starred as Mufasa in “The Lion King.” His other Broadway credits include “On the Twentieth Century” with Kevin Klein, “Eubie!” with Maurice and Gregory Hines, “The Rink” with Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera, “Big Deal” directed by Bob Fosse, and “Jelly’s Last Jam.”
Johnson was the executive producer of Big City Pictures, as well as the artistic director of the award-winning arts organization The Imagination Workshop.
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MEDTRONIC
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
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SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
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WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
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An Evening With Frederick Douglass IV
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Frederick Douglass - Directed by Tom Dugan starring Mel Johnson Jr.
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