As Presidents’ Day approaches, I’m reflecting on the leadership our communities need right now: leadership grounded in courage, humility, and a willingness to engage across differences. That theme came to life at Exponent Philanthropy’s 2025 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. One event in particular stands out: our second-day plenary, a staged reading of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect, generously sponsored and produced by The Patterson Foundation.
Performed for over 500 foundation leaders and changemakers, the one-act play draws from historical speeches, correspondence, and documented interactions between Lincoln and Douglass. During a time when our nation feels increasingly divided, whether it is on the ground in a community or online, the play brings forward a vital message—a shared willingness to listen to, challenge, and learn from one another, despite ideological differences, is a dynamic that can help shape the course of a nation.
As Beth Duda, playwright and director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at The Patterson Foundation, shared: “Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect brings this transformational meeting to life. In 55 minutes, the play models how intentional conversation, active listening, and a commitment to shared aspirations can create pathways through even the deepest divides.”
Poet and narrator Cedric Hameed underscored this message, reminding us that respectful engagement is not only possible, but it is essential for our communities and country. During the performance, I looked across the expansive audience. Rarely did I see anyone on their phone. The performance kept everyone engaged, focused, and, dare I say, mesmerized.
Following the plenary, participants joined a focused dialogue session exploring how the themes of the play connect to the everyday work of philanthropy, community building, and civic engagement. The conversation reinforced a crucial truth: leadership is not just about action. It is also about listening with intention and engaging with those who see the world differently.
For me, the words of Douglass and Lincoln serve as a call to lead with courage, humility, integrity, action, and a commitment to ensuring all people can thrive—practices that resonate deeply with our work in philanthropy and in our local and national communities.
Exponent Philanthropy extends sincere thanks to The Patterson Foundation for bringing this experience to our members. Both of our organizations believe that these times require courageous leadership and meaningful engagement to inspire others to act. As The Patterson Foundation recently shared, this moment asks us all “to turn outward, engage across differences, and pursue meaningful change grounded in shared community aspirations.”
Learn More
Visit Beth Duda’s blog for a full recap of the performance.
Learn more about bringing Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect to your community, business, or organization by contacting Beth Duda at bduda@thepattersonfoundation.org.
About the Author
Paul D. Daugherty is the CEO of Exponent Philanthropy, the country’s largest association of funders and the only one dedicated to serving foundations, philanthropic families, and individual donors who are lean, but have a mighty impact. As someone who has served in different philanthropic roles for nearly 25 years, Paul recognizes the influence and importance of funders, foundations, and private giving of all sizes.