The Lesson of the Hour [Audio CD]

Frederick Douglass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1993

In 1892 Frederick Douglass represented the Republic of Haiti at the Chicago World's Fair, also known as the Columbian Exposition. At this, the first of the great world fairs, the United States exhibit did not acknowledge the culture, history, contributions, intellect or talent of a single Afro-American man or woman. While in Chicago, Frederick Douglass met Ida B. Wells, the intrepid and courageous, black anti-lynching crusader and journalist, who gave him first hand accounts of the lynchings she had seen throughout the South. Summarily executed, primarily on the charge of rape, hundreds of black men were losing their lives to what Douglass called "mobocrats." That the rights and justice so sorely fought for during the Civil War and aspired to during Reconstruction were being overridden by an epidemic of mob violence, racism and color prejudice had enraged and disheartened the despondent Frederick Douglass. Miss Wells fervor re-kindled Douglass' fiery spirit to write one last, great speech. Two years later, having refined his thoughts in several newspaper pieces, and, at age 76, Mr. Douglass delivered "The Lesson of the Hour: Why the Negro Is Lynched" at the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C. The speech describes the persistent causes of racism in America, condemns lynch law, and proposes a solution: justice.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ages 14-adult. ... "The Lesson of the Hour," Douglass' last great speech, written the year before his death in 1895, traces the roots of racism as they developed during Reconstruction; regretfully, they speak of racial attitudes still prevalent in our country. Fred Morsell, an actor who often portrays Douglass in a one-man play, superbly delivers these historic speeches. This is first-class, primary-source material that will be of value in school, college, and public libraries." -- S. Gilmary Speirs, Booklist, 12/15/93

"On The Lesson of The Hour, Frederick Douglass' Greatest Speeches (TBM), Fred Morsell ...dramatizes "The Lesson of The Hour," the great speech Douglass delivered in January 1894, the year before his death. Other speeches on this recording presented so convincingly by Morsell include "My Right To Speak," "Why Is The Negro Lynched?, "Goal of Negro Persecution: Disenfranchisement," "Negro Problem: The Final Solution" and "Negro Problem: The True Solution". -- Ebony, "Sounding Off," February 1997

"These speeches, here re-created by Fred Morsell, are the first releases in an audio series entitled "Frederick Douglass' Greatest Speeches" that seeks to spread awareness of the words of one of the nation' greatest orators and advocates of civil rights for all." -- American History Illustrated, July/August 1993

"Yesterday actor Fred Morsell stood in costume at the same pulpit of the Metropolitan AME Church where Douglass had stood, and delivered to a modern congregation the great abolitionist's famous speech on "The Lesson of the Hour." And if a hundred years had recast the villains somewhat, his words had a chilling pertinence in the streets of the nation's capital....

Douglass' words were met by loud applause...Hundreds lined the altar rail after the service to meet Morsell and to congratulate DeVeaux on his sermon." -- The Washington Post, January 10, 1994 --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From the Publisher

Mr. Morsell delivered The Lesson of the Hour on Sunday, January 9, 1994, at Washington, D.C.'s historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church on the speech's exact 100th anniversary. The Washington Post gave the event front page coverage, which resulted in Bill Moyers reading the story and inviting Mr. Morsell to return to Washington to film the speech for the February 1994 Bill Moyers Journal. TBM Records producer Tanya Bickley adds, "One of my most powerful memories sees Fred Morsell, in preparation for his performance, quietly walking down the aisle to the pew where Mr. Douglass customarily sat. Fred stood behind the pew, ran his hands over the back of the pew, and remained in repose for several minutes. He then walked back down the aisle, spoke briefly with the director, and Mr. Moyers crew began to film." Of that performance The New York Times (February 18, 1994) said, "Even 100 years later, sadly enough, the speech goes to the very heart of the black experience in America. The standing ovation given Mr. Morsell is clearly and deservedly heartfelt." --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Victory Audio Video Services (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883210038
• ISBN-13: 978-1883210038
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,398,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)