Donald L. Dowridge, Jr., Celebrating 30 years as the founder and CEO of DLD (Determined to Learn and Develop) Enterprises established in 1992. After serving Five & a Half Years in the US Army as a Sargent and transitioning to become the first African American Manager of the OCR/BCS department within the Tampa, Florida U.S. Post Office, Dowridge retired after eleven and half years. DLD is ambitious in creating new dimensions of motivation for those who seek achievement by focusing energy in areas of obtaining positive outcomes despite life obstacles. “Dreams to Reality” that’s DLD’s Motto! His inspiring messages deliver feasible avenues allowing opportunities to be present. The DLD (as he’s referred to) has carved out a blazing path of Mentoring, Facilitating, Keynote Speaking & Empowerment throughout America.
Donald venture as “FREDERICK DOUGLASS” began in February 2009. He had no idea it would transform him into the 21st century “FREDERICK DOUGLASS!” As Mr. Douglass, DLD has appeared and performed before packed arenas, schools, churches & etc. Each appearance has garnered standing ovations and cheers from the respective audience.
To Schedule or Book Donald L. Dowridge, Jr. as “FREDERICK DOUGLASS,” contact his office directly at (813) 394-5875 or email us at: dld282002@yahoo.com, also go to our New website; www.dldenterprises.org.
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1) How and when did you get hooked on history?
The story must be told, in the first grade and on a field trip to the White House I was fortunate
to meet President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Though that historical moment accrued I was not
in tune to our history. The 70’s as a teen began the discovering of my history, American
History and World History. During those early years, it was fulfilling to learn and be
knowledgeable of History.
2) What role does history play or has played in your personal life?
History especially Black History has assisted me in becoming the man of Integrity, Respect,
Self-Esteem and being in position to be an example for other to see as a leader. Taking ques
from the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, JFK, RFK, &
various other sources have groomed me to be able to face and overcome adversity throughout
life.
3) How does history play a part of your professional life / career?
As a Motivational Guru, Keynote Speaker, engaging young people, it is very important to
relay information within the presentations that is laced with historical moments from our
past. History also plays a very vital role through the “DLD TRAVELING BLACK HISTORY
MUSEUM” that was created in 2010 to Teach Youth and Adults of days of past. Also, to
inform as the saying goes: “Don’t know history, don’t know your future!”
4) Why is studying / knowing history important?
The studying / knowing of history is very important because our past whether on this
American Soil or in other counties, our history was made by immigrants who migrated to this
country. Our ancestors paved the way for us in this day and time. It is the study of them and
knowing we are walking and living on their shoulders, their sweat, and their tears. It is having
the education of certain events of our past that allow us and generations to understand the
importance of history and the role it continues to play.
5) What is your favorite period or aspect of history to learn about and why?
Great question, my favorite period of history is in several areas of time. Starting with the
19th Century which represents the years of Mr. Frederick Douglass. Since he is my Role
Model & Mentor, I began studying his life, how he emerged from years of slavery to a
Stateman and other professional achievements during his lifetime. 20th Century brought us
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the mark he made, what he stood and “I HAVE A DREAM
/ FREE AT LAST!” It is noted; after the MARCH ON WASHINGTON in 1963, 1964 the
black elementary school I attended was one of the First Black schools shut down and we were
bused to Dundalk Elementary School bringing Integration to the forefront in my native city of
Baltimore, Md.
6) How did you come to portray Frederick Douglass and how did you prepare?
Believe it or not the journey began one morning in February of 2009. Getting prepared for my
day and brushing my teeth, I heard Three (3) Times, “FREDERICK DOUGLASS,”
“FREDERICK DOUGLASS,” “FREDERICK DOUGLASS!”
After the third time I proceeded to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (now known as
the Straz Theater) and reserved the TECO Theater where the first performance took place.
That performance with lack of knowledge of Mr. Douglass and with family and close friends
as the audience happened with me standing before a podium and a copy of “The Narrative
and Life Frederick Douglass in which I read the entire book.
The second to the thirteenth year I constantly read his books and other authors who have
written best sellers. Also, I use YouTube to gather more information including style of
delivery, speaking, vocal control and natural acting skills to make the portrayal not
just educational, but entertaining.
7) Why is Frederick Douglass such an important and relevant figure in American history,
even for us in the 21st Century?
Not to deduct from any other black historical figure who put their life on the line for the
freedom enjoyed by me and many like me, but it must be stated if there was no
“FREDERICK DOUGLASS” who broke through many racial barriers not just for his
people, how about Women Rights and having the gall to stand toe to toe with several
presidents of these United States for the sake of Freedom. Not being afraid to author three
books that surely could have had him hanging from the gallows. The chances and risks he
took sure enlighten and raise the hopes of slaves, women, and black serving in the military
to name a few. Mr. Douglass is very prevalent in this 21st century as witness on February
2nd, 2017, when then President Trump mentioned the importance of Mr. Douglass. He is
also referred to and read in the U. S. Capital by Our Congressman & women. Lastly, a few
schools’ system throughout America has instituted the reading of Frederick Douglass. He is
Very Relevant 127 years after his demise.
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