FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANT TO VISIT
Kevin Greene, the great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass, will hold a signing at The Black Reserve Bookstore
LANSDALE >> Literary enthusiasts and area residents alike will soon have a brush with history as Frederick Douglass’ greatgreat-grandson Kevin Greene holds a book signing event next weekend in downtown Lansdale.
“This is a story and this is a person I think everyone should know,” said Shaykh Anwar Muhammad, owner of The Black Reserve Bookstore. “You’re talking about a former slave that taught himself how to read, and he became one of the great orators of American history.”
Hosted by The Black Reserve Bookstore, the event will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the shop located at 319 W. Main St., No. 8, in Lansdale. Admission is free.
Muhammad said that “school aged children” who attend will receive a free signed copy of the “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.” Adults are welcome to purchase the book for $13 at the store and get it signed.
“I believe that everybody, everyone should read this book — everyone,” he said.
Muhammad added that Greene is slated to give a
presentation during the event detailing his lineage and family history.
“I’m most looking forward to the children’s response to the presenter,” Muhammad said, adding that “who knows? This event could spark something in a young person who may talk about this 20 years from now.”
While an exact headcount is unclear, Muhammad expects at least 50 people to attend.
With respect to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Muhammad said he will also plan to have the doors open to his store, provide hand sanitizer and require that participants wear masks.
When organizing the logistics surrounding the upcoming event, Muhammad noted how it came together quite quickly.
About a month ago, Muhammad recalled a customer coming into his store with a copy of Douglass’ autobiography. At first, Muhammad said he didn’t think much of it as the same books were in his shop. But after the customer insisted he look to the second page of the book, Muhammad saw Greene’s signature.
After learning Greene was one of Douglass’ relatives, Muhammad said “my jaw hit the floor.” Muhammad then found out Greene was interested in putting on an event at his Lansdale shop.
“We get to actually meet, and come into contact with one of his [Douglass] descendants, and it’s amazing. It’s amazing,” he said. “To me, there are no words to describe it. It’s amazing.”
Greene’s great-greatgrandfather, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, was born a slave in 1818 on The Eastern Shore of Maryland, according to an online biography on the National Parks Service website. In his younger years, Douglass taught himself to read and write, and eventually escaped from slavery in 1838. He went on to become a famed author and abolitionist.
Muhammad said he greatly admired Douglass’ accomplishments, along with his brilliance, courage and determination.
“I would personally say to him [Greene] that his great-great-grandfather had a tremendous impact ... on my development as a Black man, absolutely,” he said.
Next weekend’s event is sponsored by the Ambler branch of the NAACP, Hands Across Philadelphia and Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives.
“I would say to any parent, young adult, really person ... if you’re interested in learning about great people and being a part of a great event, this is definitely the event for you,” he said.
For more information, check out The Black Reserve Bookstore’s Facebook page or visit the website at theblackreservebookstore.com.