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What to the slave is the 4th of July? asked Frederick Douglass

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Mark Winn as Frederick Douglass in Sons & Daughters of Thunder. Discussing the abolition of slavery in 1834 was considered radical, even in the North. Organized by firebrand abolitionist Theodore Weld, the nation's first public anti-slavery debates at Lane Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio led to near riot conditions in the city. The shocking oratory sparked intense controversy and awakened a young Harriet Beecher (Stowe) to the horrors of slavery. Harriet was captivated by Weld's charismatic leadership, at a time when Calvin Stowe was trying to win her heart. Inspired by Weld and the debates, Harriet later penned "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and turned the tide of public opinion against slavery. Visit  https://www.fourthwallfilms.com/sons-daughters-of-thunder  to stream or purchase the Emmy-nominated and award-winning Sons & Daughters of Thunder. We include a portion of Frederick Douglass' 4th of July Speech in 1852, as performed by Mark Winn in Sons & Daughte...
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Happy Birthday Harriet Beecher Stowe, a mighty woman

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Today June 14, 2026 marks the 215th birthday of American author and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe . We are sharing this post by A mighty Girl-- the world’s largest collection of books, toys, and movies for parents, teachers, and others dedicated to raising smart, confident, and courageous girls--who, like us, believes Harriet Beecher Stowe is a true American female hero. A mighty Girl wrote: "Harriet Beecher Stowe, the American abolitionist and author of the scathing anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," was born on this day in 1811. Written in response to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, it became the world's best-selling novel of the 19th century. The Fugitive Slave Law, which required law enforcement officials in free states to arrest anyone suspected of being a runaway slave and instituted harsh penalties for anyone caught helping escaped slaves, was fiercely opposed by Northern abolitionists such as Stowe. Her novel further inflamed Northern anger at the ...
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Harriet Beecher Stowe's formative years in Ohio led to "Uncle Tom's Cabin"

In honor of Juneteenth, we share this clip from the Emmy-nominated documentary by Fourth Wall Films, "Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe". Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel turned Americans against slavery, but she spent her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio. To stream or purchase the film, visit https://www.fourthwallfilms.com/becoming-harriet-beecher-stowe
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Website/Blog Change

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Typepad, our "Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe" website/blog host of more than 20 years is suddenly going out of business. Due to folks like us backing up two decades of blog posts, their system has collapsed prior to its September 30, 2025 termination. We will have new websites and blogs up soon, but in the meantime, you can email us directly for links to purchase our DVDs/Blu-rays. Our films are always available to stream here:  https://vimeo.com/fourthwallfilms/vod_pages Thank you for your patience! We appreciate your interest and support! Kelly & Tammy Rundle Fourth Wall Films fourthwallfilms@aol.com
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"Becoming Harriet Beecher Stowe" showcased at Over-The-Rhine-International Film Festival

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Actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez attending Over-The-Rhine International Film Festival . What an honor to have BECOMING HARRIET BEECHER STOWE showcased at the Over-The-Rhine International Film Festival at the beautiful, historic Woodward Theater on Saturday, July 8th,12:30P-2P . And, how fun that these two celebs were there to talk about their early experiences living in Ohio, and their film careers. Martin Sheen had us at "Apocalypse Now"! Click HERE for the story!
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