UNIVERSITY NEWS
Inaugural DeBaptiste Lecture Packs the Philips Autograph Library
O
n October 13, C. James Trotman (above, left), WCU professor emeritus of English and author of Frederick Douglass: A Biography, delivered the inaugural Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste (above, right) Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture to a standing-room-only audience. In “Finding the North Star Today,” Trotman discussed the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in today’s America, drawing inspiration from Douglass’ writings in his abolitionist newspaper The North Star, and his three autobiographies, as well as from Douglass’ famed oratorical prowess. Among those in attendance were the Honorable Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, first African American mayor of West Chester Borough, who generously endowed this lecture series, and his daughter Lillian DeBaptiste; current Borough Mayor Dianne Herrin; and Christian Awuyah, WCU English professor and director of the WCU Frederick Douglass Institute. Professor Trotman established and is founding director of WCU’s Frederick Douglass Institute.
6 WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
