Lincoln and Emancipation

"Mary, I was losing interest in politics, but this has aroused me again"

Expansion of slavery is the explosive issue that draws Springfield lawyer Abraham Lincoln back into the political scene. Our founding fathers, he claims, sought to contain slavery so it would die out. But now, in the 1850s, it appears that slavery may overrun the entire country.

"If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I cannot remember when I did not so think and feel."

After his debates with Stephen Douglas make Abraham Lincoln's name nationally known, he is sent to Washington D.C. as the sixteenth President of the United States, whose unity is already unraveling with secession. Finally Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation and urges passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.

Liberty has come, but at what price?

ABRAHAM LINCOLN & EMANCIPATION features Chris Small in a dramatic narrative which explores Lincoln's own words regarding slavery and freedom.

Bonus discussion with the performer provides additional insights.

This is an expanded film version of a live program Chris offered around the Lincoln Centennial and still performs for audiences today through Abe's America LLC.