A Walk To Respect in Venice

On Monday, February 5, 2024, the Venice Interfaith Community Association presented a screening of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect at Venice United Church of Christ. More than 200 individuals attended the screening, which was followed by a panel discussion with playwright Beth Duda, poet Cedric Hameed, and production coordinator Ben Tollefson.




In this moving production, Frederick Douglass, the black abolitionist leader and former slave, and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America, clash in their ideologies regarding race, politics, and slavery. These two self-made men, at a time when our divided nation faced annihilation, faced their differences with courage and compassion, forging a friendship that helped to end the Civil War and reunite our nation. Through their own words, we explore the walk of these two great American leaders from conflict to understanding.




The eager audience engagement after viewing "A Walk To Respect" was exciting to experience! The wide variety of questions and comments from the audience reflected the depth and broad-ranging themes of the film. It is certainly a film that sparks great humanities-based discussions.

Narrator Cedric's inspired poetry really enhanced the show's messages: collaboration, courage, honor, embracing our differences with friendly disagreement, and, above all, respecting all people, no matter their background and race.




The audience was very engaged, and many stayed after the presentation to share their thoughts and ideas with the Walk To Respect team.




For information about hosting a screening and panel discussion of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect, email Beth Duda at bduda@thepattersonfoundation.org