As an investment in our community through the Aspirations to Actions Initiative, The Patterson Foundation is supporting registered Stepping Forward Book Circles throughout Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Stepping Forward Book Circles aim to help participants build a sense of community, foster positive relationships among citizens, discover shared aspirations, and embrace possibilities for our collective future through guided discussions around Rich Harwood’s Stepping Forward book. Stepping Forward shows readers how to channel frustrations, energies, and aspirations to get on a more hopeful path. Click here to learn more.

 

Join The Patterson Foundation for a virtual screening and panel discussion of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, A Walk to Respect. On Thursday, January 28 at 7pm, we'll come together from the comfort of our homes to discuss this moving piece written and directed by Beth Duda and performed by Joel P.E. King, Michael Krebs, and Cedric Hameed. This event is free and open to all. You will receive the link to view the presentation on January 26, then on January 28 at 7pm, we will gather for the panel discussion with the actors and creative team. REGISTER HERE.

On January 23, 2020, Tidewell Hospice and The Patterson Foundation honored the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families with the unveiling of commissioned artwork from Patriot Plaza at Tidewell’s administration building as part of their Veterans Honor Program.

On January 23, 2020, The Patterson Foundation celebrated ten years of engagement at Michaels on East. The festivity focused on the many ways The Patterson Foundation works together with individuals, organizations, and communities to make a difference. We invite you to reflect on this decade of impact and your part in it by watching the documentary below.

The Patterson Foundation, The Sarasota Military Officers Foundation, and the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota invited guests to celebrate President’s Day at Patriot Plaza on February 17, 2020.

“Celebrating the Stars and Stripes”

Musical Prelude
The Pops Orchestra

The Patterson Foundation's Honoring & Onward 10th Anniversary
President Abraham Lincoln

Welcome by the Master of Ceremonies
RADM Brian McCarthy USN(Ret)

Presentation of Colors
Color Guard

The singing of the National Anthem
Lauren Nielsen accompanied by The Pops Orchestra

“Many Faces of Old Glory”
Mr. Vane Scott accompanied by The Pops Orchestra

Flag Retreat
50th Commemoration of Vietnam War and Closing Remarks
RADM Brian McCarthy USN(Ret)

Departure Music
The Pops Orchestra

As part of Honoring and Onward, in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Patterson Foundation announced a staged reading of a new one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a Walk to Respect — written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda, with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed.

This was a moving production where the black abolitionist leader and former slave, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America clashed in their ideologies regarding race, politics, and slavery. Frederick Douglass, a true radical with a fiery spirit, believed in racial equality for everyone. Douglass dedicated his life, writings, and career to abolishing slavery everywhere. Abraham Lincoln, cautious and considered, while opposed to slavery, was first and foremost a patriot intent on preserving the Union at all costs. 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 explored the walk of these two great American Leaders from conflict to understanding.

Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Michael Krebs. Krebs has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in film and presentations throughout the United States since 1994, offering insight into the 16th President's life and times. Krebs is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and former company member of New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. He was cast as Abraham Lincoln in 2016 for NBC's sci-fi series Timeless following his 2014 film, Field of Lost Shoes. His appearances include the televised 150th Anniversary first and second Lincoln inaugural reenactments in Washington DC, presentations at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum during the simultaneous international reading of The Gettysburg Address, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library, Hoover Presidential Library, Chicago History Museum, Gettysburg, New Salem State Historic Site, the Harold Washington Library, and an extended run in Chicago. In 2014, Michael was invited by The Patterson Foundation to participate in the national dedication of Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery. 

Frederick Douglass was portrayed by Joel PE King. King is a native of East Saint Louis. Graduating from SIU Edwardsville, Joel attained a B.A. in Studio Arts with a minor in music and theater. King is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director, and producer. His production company, JPEK CreativeWorks was established post-college and has had great success in creating quality, courageous, socially driven stage plays. King has received three city proclamations, two cover stories (Riverfront Times and Zoom Magazine) and a groundswell of support for his stage works: Real Life, Issues of Love and Stand Your Ground. King’s theatre credits include Amen Corner, The Color Purple, The Sam Cooke Story and Knock Me a Kiss at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Spunk, Raisin in the Sun, Colored Museum, Immigrant Project, In the Blood, Dutchman, Big River, Damn Yankees, Bubblin Brown Sugar, Real Life Hip Hopera, and Complacency of Silence for which he received a Kevin Kline nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. King has attained leading and supporting roles in independent films and television.

Spoken Word Poet, Cedric Hammed served as the narrator. Cedric Hameed is a fierce arts advocate and believes that local, national, and global change can be accomplished through expression. Evidence of his philosophy can be seen in the students and parent voices of Visible Men Academy. A native of Schenectady, N.Y, Cedric grew accustomed to using words as an escape from his harsh realities. He never realized it would be the blueprint for creating a life-changing platform. "Poetry saved my life, literally! I see the world in metaphors and similes. And, when you can see in the abstract, you can create. I can see the world we can all create!"

Dates + Locations
SOLD OUT! DRESS REHEARSAL: Tuesday, February 18 at 7:30pm
Bay Village
8400 Vamo Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34231
Ticket Price: Free, reservations necessary. Click here to reserve your seats today..

As part of Honoring and Onward, in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Patterson Foundation announced a staged reading of a new one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a Walk to Respect — written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda, with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed.

This was a moving production where the black abolitionist leader and former slave, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America clashed in their ideologies regarding race, politics, and slavery. Frederick Douglass, a true radical with a fiery spirit, believed in racial equality for everyone. Douglass dedicated his life, writings, and career to abolishing slavery everywhere. Abraham Lincoln, cautious and considered, while opposed to slavery, was first and foremost a patriot intent on preserving the Union at all costs. 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 explored the walk of these two great American Leaders from conflict to understanding.

Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Michael Krebs. Krebs has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in film and presentations throughout the United States since 1994, offering insight into the 16th President's life and times. Krebs is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and former company member of New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. He was cast as Abraham Lincoln in 2016 for NBC's sci-fi series Timeless following his 2014 film, Field of Lost Shoes. His appearances include the televised 150th Anniversary first and second Lincoln inaugural reenactments in Washington DC, presentations at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum during the simultaneous international reading of The Gettysburg Address, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library, Hoover Presidential Library, Chicago History Museum, Gettysburg, New Salem State Historic Site, the Harold Washington Library, and an extended run in Chicago. In 2014, Michael was invited by The Patterson Foundation to participate in the national dedication of Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery. 

Frederick Douglass was portrayed by Joel PE King. King is a native of East Saint Louis. Graduating from SIU Edwardsville, Joel attained a B.A. in Studio Arts with a minor in music and theater. King is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director, and producer. His production company, JPEK CreativeWorks was established post-college and has had great success in creating quality, courageous, socially driven stage plays. King has received three city proclamations, two cover stories (Riverfront Times and Zoom Magazine) and a groundswell of support for his stage works: Real Life, Issues of Love and Stand Your Ground. King’s theatre credits include Amen Corner, The Color Purple, The Sam Cooke Story and Knock Me a Kiss at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Spunk, Raisin in the Sun, Colored Museum, Immigrant Project, In the Blood, Dutchman, Big River, Damn Yankees, Bubblin Brown Sugar, Real Life Hip Hopera, and Complacency of Silence for which he received a Kevin Kline nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. King has attained leading and supporting roles in independent films and television.

Spoken Word Poet, Cedric Hammed served as the narrator. Cedric Hameed is a fierce arts advocate and believes that local, national, and global change can be accomplished through expression. Evidence of his philosophy can be seen in the students and parent voices of Visible Men Academy. A native of Schenectady, N.Y, Cedric grew accustomed to using words as an escape from his harsh realities. He never realized it would be the blueprint for creating a life-changing platform. "Poetry saved my life, literally! I see the world in metaphors and similes. And, when you can see in the abstract, you can create. I can see the world we can all create!"

Dates + Locations
SOLD OUT! Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30pm 
The Glenridge Performing Arts Center
7333 Scotland Way,
Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 552-5325
Ticket Price: Free, reservations necessary. Click here to reserve your seats today.

As part of Honoring and Onward, in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Patterson Foundation announced a staged reading of a new one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a Walk to Respect — written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda, with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed.

This was a moving production where the black abolitionist leader and former slave, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America clashed in their ideologies regarding race, politics, and slavery. Frederick Douglass, a true radical with a fiery spirit, believed in racial equality for everyone. Douglass dedicated his life, writings, and career to abolishing slavery everywhere. Abraham Lincoln, cautious and considered, while opposed to slavery, was first and foremost a patriot intent on preserving the Union at all costs. 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 explored the walk of these two great American Leaders from conflict to understanding.

Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Michael Krebs. Krebs has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in film and presentations throughout the United States since 1994, offering insight into the 16th President's life and times. Krebs is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and former company member of New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. He was cast as Abraham Lincoln in 2016 for NBC's sci-fi series Timeless following his 2014 film, Field of Lost Shoes. His appearances include the televised 150th Anniversary first and second Lincoln inaugural reenactments in Washington DC, presentations at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum during the simultaneous international reading of The Gettysburg Address, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library, Hoover Presidential Library, Chicago History Museum, Gettysburg, New Salem State Historic Site, the Harold Washington Library, and an extended run in Chicago. In 2014, Michael was invited by The Patterson Foundation to participate in the national dedication of Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery. 

Frederick Douglass was portrayed by Joel PE King. King is a native of East Saint Louis. Graduating from SIU Edwardsville, Joel attained a B.A. in Studio Arts with a minor in music and theater. King is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director, and producer. His production company, JPEK CreativeWorks was established post-college and has had great success in creating quality, courageous, socially driven stage plays. King has received three city proclamations, two cover stories (Riverfront Times and Zoom Magazine) and a groundswell of support for his stage works: Real Life, Issues of Love and Stand Your Ground. King’s theatre credits include Amen Corner, The Color Purple, The Sam Cooke Story and Knock Me a Kiss at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Spunk, Raisin in the Sun, Colored Museum, Immigrant Project, In the Blood, Dutchman, Big River, Damn Yankees, Bubblin Brown Sugar, Real Life Hip Hopera, and Complacency of Silence for which he received a Kevin Kline nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. King has attained leading and supporting roles in independent films and television.

Spoken Word Poet, Cedric Hammed served as the narrator. Cedric Hameed is a fierce arts advocate and believes that local, national, and global change can be accomplished through expression. Evidence of his philosophy can be seen in the students and parent voices of Visible Men Academy. A native of Schenectady, N.Y, Cedric grew accustomed to using words as an escape from his harsh realities. He never realized it would be the blueprint for creating a life-changing platform. "Poetry saved my life, literally! I see the world in metaphors and similes. And, when you can see in the abstract, you can create. I can see the world we can all create!"

Dates + Locations
SOLD OUT! Thursday, February 20 at 7:30pm
The Glenridge Performing Arts Center
7333 Scotland Way,
Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 552-5325
Ticket Price: Free, reservations necessary. Click here to reserve your seats today.

As part of Honoring and Onward, in partnership with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Patterson Foundation announced a staged reading of a new one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a Walk to Respect — written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda, with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed.

This was a moving production where the black abolitionist leader and former slave, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America clashed in their ideologies regarding race, politics, and slavery. Frederick Douglass, a true radical with a fiery spirit, believed in racial equality for everyone. Douglass dedicated his life, writings, and career to abolishing slavery everywhere. Abraham Lincoln, cautious and considered, while opposed to slavery, was first and foremost a patriot intent on preserving the Union at all costs. 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 explored the walk of these two great American Leaders from conflict to understanding.

Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Michael Krebs. Krebs has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in film and presentations throughout the United States since 1994, offering insight into the 16th President's life and times. Krebs is a native of Freeport, Illinois, and former company member of New American Theater in Rockford, Illinois. He was cast as Abraham Lincoln in 2016 for NBC's sci-fi series Timeless following his 2014 film, Field of Lost Shoes. His appearances include the televised 150th Anniversary first and second Lincoln inaugural reenactments in Washington DC, presentations at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum during the simultaneous international reading of The Gettysburg Address, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library, Hoover Presidential Library, Chicago History Museum, Gettysburg, New Salem State Historic Site, the Harold Washington Library, and an extended run in Chicago. In 2014, Michael was invited by The Patterson Foundation to participate in the national dedication of Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery. 

Frederick Douglass was portrayed by Joel PE King. King is a native of East Saint Louis. Graduating from SIU Edwardsville, Joel attained a B.A. in Studio Arts with a minor in music and theater. King is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director, and producer. His production company, JPEK CreativeWorks was established post-college and has had great success in creating quality, courageous, socially driven stage plays. King has received three city proclamations, two cover stories (Riverfront Times and Zoom Magazine) and a groundswell of support for his stage works: Real Life, Issues of Love and Stand Your Ground. King’s theatre credits include Amen Corner, The Color Purple, The Sam Cooke Story and Knock Me a Kiss at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Spunk, Raisin in the Sun, Colored Museum, Immigrant Project, In the Blood, Dutchman, Big River, Damn Yankees, Bubblin Brown Sugar, Real Life Hip Hopera, and Complacency of Silence for which he received a Kevin Kline nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical. King has attained leading and supporting roles in independent films and television.

Spoken Word Poet, Cedric Hammed served as the narrator. Cedric Hameed is a fierce arts advocate and believes that local, national, and global change can be accomplished through expression. Evidence of his philosophy can be seen in the students and parent voices of Visible Men Academy. A native of Schenectady, N.Y, Cedric grew accustomed to using words as an escape from his harsh realities. He never realized it would be the blueprint for creating a life-changing platform. "Poetry saved my life, literally! I see the world in metaphors and similes. And, when you can see in the abstract, you can create. I can see the world we can all create!"

Dates + Locations
SOLD OUT! Friday, February 21 at 10:00am
Manatee Community Foundation
2820 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 747-7765
Ticket Price: Free, reservations necessary. Click here to reserve your seats today.

On Thursday, December 1, 2020, more than 250 participants gathered virtually for the viewing of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, A Walk to Respect—a one-act play taped in February in partnership with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Following the screening, participants gathered for the panel discussion with the actors and creative team.