Oliver King Performs as Frederick Douglass on WJFF

Thursday Feb. 14 –  9am & 9pm

Celebrate Frederick Douglass’ birthday by spending an hour with the man himself. Hear Oliver King perform excerpts from Douglass’ autobiography at both 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. this Valentine’s Day.

Like most enslaved African Americans, Frederick Douglass never knew his exact birthday. He settled on February 14th 1818 based on anecdotal asides from his master and possible father, and because young Frederick’s mother called him “My Valentine.”

Oliver King curated the text for this speech himself and performed it for students and faculty at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake, NY on February 14, 2018 – Douglass’ 200th Birthday. King’s performance presents details of Frederick Douglass’ enslavement and journey to freedom in Douglass’ own words.

This speech will also be featured on The Janus Adams Show, Saturday afternoon, February 16 at 4pm, with King also reading an excerpt from Douglass’ famous Fourth of July Address.

Oliver King Photo Credit: Ted Waddell for The River Reporter