JUNETEENTH: Bear Me Into Freedom, a local film about Frederick Douglass
EASTERN SHORE, Md. – Juneteenth is here, and local groups are actively looking to preserve history in a major way. In partnership with the Frederick Douglass Society and local churches, a new film, directed and produced by Jeff McGuiness, sheds light on the pioneer Frederick Douglass was.
McGuiness explaining what he hopes the movie will show to community members. “What we are trying to do is portray the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass in a new and impactful way. And here it is the 250th anniversary of our nation, and what we wanted to do was show how Frederick Douglass impacted the development of America’s social policy.”
The movie, ‘Bear Me Into Freedom’, will have showings at Asbury United Methodist Church in Easton, at 3pm, 6pm, and 7:30pm on June 19th. The pastor, Reginald Pinkett, claims this is a must-see event for locals around the Eastern Shore.
“It’s great for the community. It’s great for everyone to get a chance to look at the film, watch the film, and see what he has said throughout his lifetime. Specifically, seeing how those words have progressed us with his word.”
The lead actor, a 6th descendant of Douglass, Marshall Bailey IV. He tells WMDT that the role was a privilege, and expresses how honored he was to play something that represents development in America.
“I felt really immersed in the history of it, going to the fields of Talbot County, just going to the fields of Talbot County, and knowing I was wearing the same thing, something similar to what Frederick Douglass would have worn.”
The production would not have the legs though, without the collaboration with ‘The Fredrick Douglass Honor Society,’ which has consistently focused on Douglass and other pioneers in the rights of African Americans across the Eastern Shore. Vickie Wilson has been pushing that charge, and said it’s because she feels like she is a voice for the voiceless.
“We can’t let our guard down. I think we have to be vigilant, and let making sure things are done the right way, we really have to be vigilant in what we do.”
The movie will also have showings from July 1st – 5th at a local St. Michael’s Church.
For more information on FDHS, click here.
