Douglass Project (Patreon)

Some time ago (say, 2 million years) I learned my Mother in law was in the hospital, with Alex looking after her. I drove close by and took up space at the library across the way. With nothing better to do but monitor texts waiting for updates, I plucked a book (above) off the shelf, and asked for pen and paper.

I sat with a bunch of kids and proceeded to draw Frederick Douglass' portrait using the book as a reference.

You'll notice the book reads "Highland" as in "Highland Library." This is the library I spent most of my time in growing up. Got some of my favorite books from there. It was through their ancient 80s computer system that I was able to place holds on Godzilla movies (a free service back then!)

When I finished my rendition—which I judged rather harshly—I offered it up to the library and left when . They put it up on their wall.

When I learned my beloved Highland Library was changing their name I was initially miffed. But then I heard it would be named the "Frederick Douglass Community Library" and all was forgiven. How neat!

Not only that, but they hired the brilliant Shawn Dunwoody to paint murals of Douglass and Anna Murray (his first wife). They redid the entire interior of the branch. And to my shock, the portrait remained, and still remains! I'll take a photo of it next time I'm there!

I still say it's not my best work. Which is why that's precisely what I'm going to give them. I'm going to start with the very portrait my sketch was based on: