The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro | A Reading of Frederick Douglass' Speech

On July 5 ,1852, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech to the Rochester Ladies’ Antislavery Society. The abolitionist and orator asked the mostly White audience to consider, “What, to the Slave, Is the Fourth of July?” Douglass’ resolute denunciations of slavery and forceful examination of the constitution challenge us to consider the histories we tell, the values they teach, and if our actions match our aspirations. Communities across Massachusetts continue to read the speech together during Juneteenth and July 4th commemorations. This year, Mass Humanities invited residents from around the commonwealth to create a new recording of the speech.  Mass Humanities in partnership with The Emancipator presents “The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro,” abridged.

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