HUDSON, Ohio — Nearly two centuries after abolitionist Frederick Douglass delivered his only college commencement, a new generation of students at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson are bringing that moment back to life.

The short film, "Just and Perfect," reimagines Douglass' historic 1854 speech at what was then Western Reserve College. In it, the formerly enslaved orator challenged a divided nation to confront scientific racism and defend human dignity — a message that still resonates today.

"I thought, 'That's a legacy we should really embrace and celebrate,'" said Trustee Michael Johnson, who first proposed the project. "It's important to recognize that there is more that unites us than divides us."

The film blends Douglass’ original words (performed by students) with commentary

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