Frederick Douglass

As people across the United States celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day yesterday, a powerful piece of American history—long overlooked—is being revisited in a way that feels especially resonant today.

In 1854, students at Hudson’s Western Reserve College, today known as Western Reserve Academy, invited abolitionist Frederick Douglass to deliver their commencement address—defying the norms of the time.

Douglass’ speech, “The Claims of the Negro: Ethnologically Considered,” confronted the rise of scientific racism and challenged academic institutions to stand for truth and moral courage. It was Douglass’ only commencement speech, and for nearly 170 years it largely faded from public memory.

The speech has now been revived through “Just and Perfect,” a student-driven short film created on the same grounds where Douglass spoke.

Actor Jayden KershThe film weaves dramatic student performances of Douglass’ words with commentary from leading historians including Dr. David Blight, renowned Yale University historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.” Blight places the speech within the broader arc of Douglass’ legacy and the American abolitionist movement.

“Just and Perfect” offers a timely lens on how history often lies in wait—at least until a new generation is willing to look closely and give it voice. In October 2025, “Just and Perfect” won Best Local Documentary at the Chagrin Documentary Film Fest.

This Friday, Jan. 23, Douglass’ great-great-great grandson, Kenneth B. Morris, will be on the WRA campus and meet head of school Suzanne Walker Buck, the student performers, and members of the creative team.

Additionally, “Just and Perfect” was just chosen as one of 15 films selected to be screened at the Black History Film Festival, which takes place in February in Atlanta, Oakland, Miami, and Washington D.C. Nearly 200 films were submitted to the festival.