Pasco-Hernando State will feature several exceptional presentations to honor African-American heritage during February’s Black History Month.
“Revisiting Frederick Douglass, A Monologue,” presented by actor Donald L. Dowridge Jr., offers a dramatic exploration of the life and times of Douglass, an escaped slave who became a Civil War-era leader in the abolitionist movement. Dowridge is a Tampa-based, motivational speaker, author and performance artist who has appeared in the HBO Series, The Wire, NBC’s Seaquest, and a variety of other award-winning programs.
“Surviving the Horrors at Dozier, Florida’s School for Boys” will be presented by survivor and author, Johnny Lee Gaddy. Gaddy, a Brooksville-based writer and pastor, was incarcerated in the infamous facility in 1957 at age 11. His crime: skipping school to dodge bullies at his Dade City elementary school.
Other events include an overview of regional African American history, presented by local experts, and month-long book and historical photo exhibits:
The following presentations are scheduled:
Monday, February 11
Revisiting Frederick Douglass, A Monologue by Donald L. Dowridge Jr.
11 a.m. – Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center (B303), 2727 Mansfield Boulevard, Wesley Chapel,
2 p.m. – Robert W. Judson Jr. Conference Center (A240) East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Dade City
Tuesday, February 12
Surviving the Horrors at Dozier, Florida’s School for Boys, by author Johnny Lee Gaddy.
9:45 a.m. – Drs. Richard and Beatrice Braun Building (Room B104/105), North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Brooksville
2 p.m. – Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center, (B103) Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill
Tuesday, February 19
Revisiting Frederick Douglass, A Monologue by Donald L. Dowridge Jr.
2 p.m. – Michael J. and M. Frances Skarupa Health and Science Building (M101), West Campus, 10230 Ridge Rd., New Port Richey
Wednesday, February 20
Pasco Notables Recognize Local African American History Makers
11:15 a.m. – Robert W. Judson Jr. Building Conference Center (A240), East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Dade City.
Throughout February
Book Exhibition: All campus libraries
Photo Exhibit: North and Spring Hill Campuses
The presentations, free and open to the public, are coordinated by PHSC’s Office of Global and Multicultural Awareness and sponsored by Student Life and Leadership.
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) serves the educational needs and interests of its community by awarding certificates, diplomas, associate, and baccalaureate degrees. As a comprehensive, multicampus learning-centered institution, PHSC utilizes various instructional modalities and support services. PHSC provides an accessible, diverse teaching and learning environment rich with opportunities for students to achieve academic success and cultural growth in a global society.
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