Press Release

(Detroit, Michigan) The Historic Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr. announces a Frederick Douglas dramatic reading as a part of a Men of Freedom Trilogy of Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and Shepherd’s Wall dedication. The Men of Freedom Trilogy Worship Service will be held on June 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Historic Ebenezer A.M.E. Church located at 5151 W. Chicago Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48204. 

A Shepherd’s Wall will be dedicated in the archive room after the service honoring the pastors of Ebenezer since its founding in 1871. The Historic Ebenezer A.M.E. Church is the 6th oldest African American congregation in Detroit and celebrates 150 years of existence this year. 

The Rev. Larry J. Bell, Presiding Elder of the Michigan Conference North District will deliver the sermon. Also, there will be a special tribute and appreciation to fathers. This service will be held in-person at the church and live-streamed via social media. 

“We invite members of the community to join with us as we celebrate our Men of Freedom Trilogy,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr. “We are excited to present this dramatic rendition of Frederick Douglass for our celebration. We hope to bring to life Frederick Douglass for the current generation and his impact on the struggle for freedom.” 

Actor, dramatist, and playwright Dexter Mays will perform “Frederick Douglass a Man Like Gideon,” from "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave," by Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). 

Mays, a native Detroiter, he has performed in many theater venues including The Detroit Repertory Theater, Wayne State University, 1515 Broadway, Charles Wright Museum, and the Matrix Theater. Mays has studied the life of his hero Frederick Douglass extensively. He was the recipient of the Obie Award given by the Oakland Press for his original play “Harper’s Ferry” which examined the relationship of Frederick Douglass and John Brown. 

Mays describes Frederick Douglass as a “Mighty Man of Valor” not unlike the Old Testament hero Gideon, who with the Lord’s guidance liberated the Hebrews from their oppressors the Midianites. Mays is currently  working on a one-man play highlighting the life and times of Frederick Douglass. He is elated to be invited to the Historic Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, with its long-standing tradition of fighting for Justice. Mays has studied the life of his hero Frederick Douglass extensively. He was the recipient of the Obie Award given by the Oakland Press for his original play “Harper’s Ferry” which examined the relationship of Frederick Douglass and John Brown.

Background Information: The Historic Ebenezer A.M.E. Church was organized in 1871 to serve as a harbor for newly-freed Black Americans migrating from the antebellum South. The history of the Historic Ebenezer AME Church is entrenched in the traditions of social progress in Detroit. From housing Negro soldiers during WWII, to serving as a training center for boxing great Joe Louis, Ebenezer has been a backdrop for Detroit’s history. By housing the homeless and providing clothes for the needy, the church continues its time-honored motto of “Love Makes the Difference”. The name “Ebenezer” means “Stone of Help.” Ebenezer AME Detroit remains active in the experience of Christian discipleship- preaching and teaching the Word of God, fasting, praying, ministering to the sick and shut-in, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the poor. Please call the church at 313-933-6943 or visit www.historicebenezeramedetroit.org for more details. The Rev. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr. is the Senior Pastor.

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Editors: Please note the following persons are available for additional information The Rev. Mickarl D. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor Darlene Jackson, Myrlen Washington or Sherry Washington: Juneteenth/Father’s Day Committee George Davis, 150th Anniversary Co-Chair