HHA hosts viewing of Frederick Douglass documentary at WRA

On Nov. 12, members of the community will have the opportunity to see an award-winning documentary about a pivotal moment in the nation’s history when Hudson Heritage Association and Western Reserve Academy host a viewing of Just and Perfect, which examines an often-overlooked chapter in the life of Frederick Douglass.

Douglass, who escaped from slavery in Maryland in 1838, became a national leader in the abolitionist movement, as well as a gifted orator, writer and social reformer. In 1854, he was invited by the students of Western Reserve College to address the graduating class and delivered a blistering, two-hour rebuke of scientific racism. His speech represented one of the earliest instances of a Black speaker addressing a predominantly white academic institution.

Commissioned as part of Western Reserve Academy’s bicentennial, Just and Perfect centers on four WRA students who recite and interpret Douglass’ speech. Their voices are woven together with commentary from historians, alumni and civic leaders, inviting viewers to consider how Douglass’ words resonate in classrooms, communities and conversations today. The 29-minute film won Best Local Documentary in the 2025 Chagrin Documentary Film Festival and was an official selection of the 2026 Black History Film Festival. Screenings have also been held in Atlanta, Miami, Oakland and Washington, D.C.

The screening, to be held at the Chapel on the WRA campus, begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the program.