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Ancestor of abolitionist appears at book launch

SPRINGFIELD Frederick Douglass IV, the great-great-grandson of the abolitionist Frederick Douglass, will join the local authors of the new book, Inspiring Success, based on the life and times of Springfield's Robert M. Hughes, at a celebratory book launch reception at Springfield's Museum of Fine Arts (Davis Auditorium) on May 4 at 6 p.m.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a fitting venue given that Hughes was the Museum's first African American trustee.

The "Evening of Excellence" event and book signing will include a keynote by Frederick Douglass IV, who has written the foreward to the new book. As keynote speaker for the event, Douglass will talk about the "Leaders Who Inspire Success." "We must be the keepers of our history," Douglass said. "Our history represents our footsteps into the future and without those pathways we would be lost. Knowing the full value of preserving history, I congratulate the collaborators of this book for their commitment to sharing the legacy of Robert M. Hughes.

"At one time, my great-great-grandfather Frederick Douglass visited Springfieldto meet with abolitionist John Brown. Together, they strategized for success in the anti-slavery movement. Today, I am happy to strategize for success with the Fondons and Amy Hughes by encouraging everyone to read this book about Robert M. Hughes and to keep telling his story as well as remembering the inspiration of Frederick Douglass."

"It is your local as well as national heroes who will help you rise to success. I hope to inspire local communities to learn more about how their history can contribute to future success," Douglass added, who will be introduced via a 'living history' tribute performed by his wife B.J. Douglass.

Douglass will make history in Springfield by retracing his great-great- grandfather's steps in Springfield to autograph the special hard back edition of the book.

Inspiring Success co-authors, Amy Hughes (widow of Robert M. Hughes) and Janine and Tom Fondon, agree that Robert M. Hughes was indeed a phenomenal man who motivated people to help others and empowered youth to focus on success.

One of Hughes' best attributes was his ability to focus on helping others, despite his own physical challenges. He lost sight in one of his eyes during the Korean War, lived with the progressively damaging disease, multiple sclerosis, and eventually faced limited mobility, losing sight in his remaining eye and battling cancer.

Despite all, Hughes was determined that nothing would ever limit his success not racism, not discrimination and not even his disabilities. He kept going and giving. He showed people, by example, that you must believe in your ability to achieve your goals, to look beyond the difficult times, and create the great moments in your life.

"We must learn about the barriers he broke and the new waves of inspiration he provided," Amy Hughes said, a former teacher who encourages both youth and adults to read the book. "Bob was a decorated Korean War Veteran, civil rights activist, founder of the landmark urban tutorial program and non-profit (Northern Educational Service), creator of a successful Western, Massachusetts based minority search firm, and initiator of many philanthropic efforts including being the first African American trustee of the Springfield Library and Museums Association. In addition, he was an informal international ambassador who traveled the world, taught in China and always welcomed people to Springfield. Because of Robert M. Hughes' influence, thousands of lives have been changed for the better."

"We enjoyed putting together this historic tribute to Robert M. Hughes, a great man," Janine Fondon said.

Tom Fondon added, "This book gives us a tangible piece of history to pass on to our children. We can learn from his example, and get to know his life lessons of success."

The event will be free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a Collector's Edition book, call 734-6444.