Frederick Douglass is Coming to Portland, Connecticut!

In about 1830, a twelve year old boy living in Baltimore aspired to rise above his circumstances but he had a major problem. He did not yet know how to read. The young man didn't suffer from any type of learning disability. To the contrary, he was one of the most talented and gifted young minds in the country. The curious twelve year old couldn't read because the law--which was strictly enforced--prohibited anyone from educating a slave.

Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, who later became known as Frederick Douglass, remained undeterred. He secretly taught himself how to read and write by stealing glimpses of written words from newspapers and the writings of his owners. He literally risked his life to learn how to read because, even at age twelve, he understood that knowledge is the pathway to all freedom and through education, a person can not only alter the course of their own destiny but the destiny of a nation.

Please join us on February 12, 2011 in celebrating Black History Month by welcoming nationally acclaimed actor Fred Morsell to Portland, Connecticut to perform his one-man play depicting the early life of Frederick Douglass. This free program, which is guaranteed to inspire, is geared toward adults, teens, and children (ages 10 and older).

Seating is limited; reserve a spot now at www.portlandlibraryct.org/ by clicking on Calendar of Events or by telephoning the Library at (860) 342-6770. This Collins Foundation, Inc. is proud to sponsor this event which being presented by the Portland Public Library.

Event details are as follows:

Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass: His Life and Times

Date: February 12, 2011
Time: 4:00p.m
Location:
Portland High School Auditorium
Portland High School
95 High Street
Portland, CT 06480

Tickets are Free!
Just RSVP at www.portlandlibraryct.org/ by clicking on Calendar of Events or by telephoning the Library
at (860) 342-6770.

AND DON'T FORGET...

The Collins Foundation, Inc. has begun accepting applications for its 2011 scholarship class. If you know of a young person who aspires to rise above his or her circumstances and alter the course of their own destinies, please encourage them to apply.

Applications, which must be e-mailed or postmarked no later than April 1, 2011, can be downloaded at www.collinsfoundationinc.org.