27005 S. Milford Road ▪ South Lyon (248) 437-8800 ▪ [ http://www.lyon.lib.mi.us/ | www.lyon.lib.mi.us ] Monday - Thursday 10:00 am-9:00 pm Friday - Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm For Immediate Release August 26, 2020 Contact: Katie Rothley, Marketing & Outreach Librarian Phone: 248-437-8800 ext. 618 Email: krothley@lyon.lib.mi.us Lyon Township Public Library (LTPL) to host actor and historian Kevin Wood, as President Abraham Lincoln, online through Zoom on Monday, August 31 at 7:00 PM. South Lyon, MI – Please join the Neighborhood Library Association, and LTPL, Monday, August 31 at 7:00 PM for an online presentation on the topic of Slavery, Emancipation, and Equality by Mr. Kevin Wood, acting as President Abraham Lincoln. This presentation will appeal to those who have an interest in United States history and early politics. Description of our virtual event: President Abraham Lincoln (Kevin Wood, Michigan resident, historian and actor) shares his ever-evolving perspectives on the subjects of slavery, emancipation, and equality, including the relationship between the races, during his times. He gives a brief summary of the long history of slavery in North America, focusing especially on the great debates and compromises over slavery at the time of the formation of the United States and during the subsequent 80 years. He discusses his own political views on slavery and emancipation and how these gradually shifted over the years. He talks about his interactions with both free and enslaved blacks, and about the relationship in general between the white and black races in his times. And, of course, he discusses the great events of his presidency as related to these issues, including the significant decisions to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, to allow blacks to join the armed forces, to give up on the idea of colonizing blacks elsewhere, and to advocate for black suffrage. Register on our website to receive the zoom link and passcode to this live program by visiting this link: [ https://lyon-lib.libcal.com/event/6850328 | https://lyon-lib.libcal.com/event/6850328 ] . All registrants will receive a link to the zoom session and passcode the day before the event. You may participate by video or by phone. This is a Neighborhood Library Asssociation sponsored program, in conjunction with Salem-South Lyon District Library, Wixom Public Library, Walled Lake City Library, Novi Public Library, Northville District Library & Commerce Township Community Library. About Kevin Wood Kevin Wood, currently of Oak Park, Illinois (Chicago area), professionally portrays President Abraham Lincoln, one of our nation's most beloved and esteemed historical figures. Mr. Wood has been portraying Mr. Lincoln since the year 2000, and on a professional basis since 2105. He has made over 1,100 appearances in 23 states plus Washington DC and two foreign countries: Canada and Spain. He has made appearances at the [ http://www.alplm.org/ | Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum ] , the [ https://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm | Lincoln Home National Historic Site ] , the [ https://museum.lincolncollege.edu/ | Lincoln Heritage Museum ] , the [ http://www.lincolnlogcabin.org/ | Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site ] , and [ http://www.lincolnsfestival.net/ | Lincoln's Festival on Route 66 ] , among many other places and events. Mr. Wood also writes a blog – “Loath to Close… Still!” – which encourages others to reflect upon and learn from President Lincoln’s life and legacy. For more information, visit [ http://www.mrlincoln.com/ | www.mrlincoln.com ] .