Short 4,526 words approximately 30 minutes medium 5,370 words approximately 35 minutes full text. The meaning of july fourth for the negro by frederick douglass. Frederick douglasss fiery 1852 speech, the meaning of. In 1852, runaway slave and legendary abolitionist frederick douglass was invited to give a speech at a 4th of july event to commemorate the signing of the. Frederick douglass take on independence day 155 years ago this week, frederick douglass delivered a famous speech harshly criticizing independence day celebrations in a time of slavery. Page 1 of 15 what to the slave is the fourth of july. Douglasss speech emphasized that american slavery and american freedom is a shared history and that the actions of ordinary men and women, demanding freedom, transformed our nation. Frederick douglass, once a slave, became a brilliant and powerful. Every year on this day, frederick douglasss fiery, uncompromising 1852 speech, t he meaning of july 4th for the negro, gets a new hearing, and takes on added resonance in the context of contemporary politics. This is a primary document assignment centered around one of frederick douglass most famous speeches.
Study guide and teaching aid for frederick douglass. Frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace american history. On july 5, 1852, douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence, held at rochesters corinthian. Strings on the front porch of douglasss cedar hill home. Frederick douglass what, to the american slave, is. He traveled to massachusetts and settled in new bedford, working as a laborer to support himself. On july 5, 1852, douglass, a former slave, orator, and writer, delivered a speech during an independence day celebration held at rochester. Frederick douglass in 1852 was a wellknown author, orator, and antislavery activist. Jul 02, 2016 frederick douglass gives meaning to the fourth of july.
Opinion frederick douglass independence day speech. What to the slave is the fourth of july a rhetorical analysis. Frederick douglass 4th of july speech the freeman institute. Jul 04, 2003 on july 5, 1852, orator and abolitionist frederick douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence. Foner has called probably the most moving passage in all of douglass speeches. Collections frederick douglass and what to the slave. Douglass s speech emphasized that american slavery and american freedom is a shared history and that the actions of ordinary men and women, demanding freedom, transformed our nation. The july 4 celebrations of both slave and free blacks are especially useful in. In this 21st century, we continue in a new era while facing many old challenges.
While speaking, his main subject was seen to be american slavery. Summary of frederick douglasss speech the meaning of july. You will not, therefore, be surprised, if in what i have to say, i evince no elaborate preparation, nor grace my speech with any high sounding exordium. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech former slave and abolitionist orator frederick douglass gave this speech to the citizens of rochester, new york, on july 5, 1852 the same year uncle toms cabin was published. Jul 04, 2018 new york ap more than a century after his death, frederick douglass and july 4 remain profoundly intertwined. It has never ceased to speak directly to those for whom the celebrations can seem like a hollow mockery of freedom and independence. New york ap more than a century after his death, frederick douglass and july 4 remain profoundly intertwined.
Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration. Get an answer for summary of frederick douglass s speech the meaning of july fourth for the negro. He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves. Frederick douglass and the fourth of july by james colaiaco, phd, fcrh 67 palgrave macmillan the subject of james colaiacos fourth book, initially published in 2006, is one of the most electrifying speeches in american history. The fourth of july and black americans in the nineteenth century. Frederick douglass speech i n 1852, runaway slave and legendary abolitionist frederick douglass was invited to give a speech at a 4th of july event to commemorate the signing of. The words of frederick douglass are as relevant as ever. Frederick douglass earned the title of being called the forefather of the civil rights movement. Frederick douglass gives meaning to the fourth of july. Text of the frederick douglass speech on the meaning of july 4 to the black slaves. Frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace changes in u. Journey on a self guided tour of the house with rangers in different rooms to answer questions.
Frederick douglass speech july 4, 1852 independence day. Join us for the largest independence day celebration in frederick county. In his speech, however, douglass delivered a scathing attack on the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating freedom and independence with speeches, parades and platitudes, while, within its borders, nearly four million humans were being kept as slaves. Frederick douglass 1852 speech still resonates how can anyone celebrate the nations founding when civil liberties and systemic injustices yet. Enjoy a fourth of july themed full orchestra concert by d. Frederick douglass july 5, 1852 what follows is an abridged version.
In his provocative speech, douglass said, this fourth of july is yours, not mine. A famous speech he gave in rochester in 1852 said holiday makers shouts of liberty and equality were a mockery to those held. May 21, 2015 provided to youtube by smithsonian folkways recordings what to the slave is the fourth of july ossie davis a voice ringing oer the gale. On july 5, 1852, frederick douglass gave a speech at a meeting sponsored by the rochester n.
Its a littleappreciated fact that frederick douglass, a man born in slavery who became a famous orator and an advisor to president lincoln, had an especially perceptive grasp of how nonviolent struggle works. Frederick douglass born frederick augustus washington bailey. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day. National archives and records administrationwikimedia commons. Frederick douglass, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Within the nowfamous address is what historian philip s. As a free man in the american north, he worked tirelessly to convince white america of the evils of slavery. On july 5, 1852, former slave frederick douglass delivered a fiery, hopeful political sermon at corinthian hall in rochester,read more. Douglass insisted on giving the speech on july 5 because he refused to celebrate independence day in a nation that allowed. Frederick douglass became the first africanamerican to be nominated for president of the united states in a major partys roll call vote at the 1888 republican national convention in chicago. This is a city of frederick 275th anniversary commemorative event. Frederick douglass delivered best fourth of july speech. Jul 04, 2018 frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace changes in u.
United states, ran a characteristic white refrain,8 and frederick douglass. James earl jones reads frederick douglasss historic speech. Provided to youtube by smithsonian folkways recordings what to the slave is the fourth of july ossie davis a voice ringing oer the gale. The speech, and indeed the meeting itself, were contrived to provide a countercelebration to independence day. Frederick douglass what to the slave is the 4th of july. Frederick douglass and what to the slave is the fourth of july. Indeed, in one of the most timeless passages in the speech, douglass insists that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of july, adding as if speaking today, whether we turn to the declarations of the past, or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally. See an encore performance from actor darius wallace as he delivers douglasss what to the slave is the fourth of july. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech, then and now.
What to the slave is the 4th of july 1852 frederick. For douglass, the fourth of july is a strong symbol of american hypocrisyindeed, the whole speech is based on this ideaand he mentions it by name. Frederick douglass, what to the slave is the fourth of july an address delivered in rochester, new york, on july 5, 1852 text complexity grades 11ccr complexity band. They will explore the strategies he uses to persuade and compare staged readings of the speech. Background at the invitation of the rochester ladies antislavery society, frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5. Many communities commemorated the day with speeches that extolled the virtues of the american republic, recalled the sacrifices of. See actor darius wallace deliver douglass famous speech what to the slave is the fourth of july. The fourth of july oration was a commendable model of frederick douglasss affection and engagement towards the freedom of individuals. Rhetorical analysis of what to the slave is the fourth of july 823 words 4 pages. The following post is an abridged version of fredrick douglass famed speech, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Jul 01, 2018 new york ap more than a century after his death, frederick douglass and july 4 remain profoundly intertwined. Frederick douglass july 4th speech remains relevant, says. On july 5, 1852, douglass, a former slave, orator, and writer, delivered a speech during an. Frederick douglasss speech mentions the development of the young nation, the revolution, and his own life experience.
Abridged by janet gillespie, director of programming. This, for the purpose of this celebration, is the 4th of july. Prior to becoming a noted africanamerican social reformer, he was a slave who taught himself to read. On july 5, 1852, douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence, held at rochesters corinthian hall. Nine years before the civil war, former slave and abolitionist frederick douglass addressed an independence day observance in rochester, n. Political action, journal of negro history, xlii october, 1957, 248. On july 5, 1852, orator and abolitionist frederick douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence. In his 1852 speech what to the slave is the fourth of july, frederick douglass passionately argued that to the slave and all other americans, the fourth of july is nothing more than a mockery of the grossest kind. Frederick douglass 18171895 was the best known and most influential african american leader of the 1800s.
What to the slave is the fourth of july a rhetorical. How i engage with independence day in the future weighs on my mind and spirit, and sharing with us the writings of frederick douglass is a good place to start mourning and shame. Brief audio excerpt democracy now, produced a july 4th segment with an audio excerpt. His antipathy toward slavery was wellearned, as he was born a. How does fredrick douglass portray the fourth of july. It is a four page document in which the famous abolitionist gives a scathing account of the hypocrisy of americans celebrating the holiday while more than four million others were confined to the bondage of slavery. A speech given at rochester, new york, july 5, 1852. What to the slave is the 4th of july 1852 frederick douglass historical background in the american founding period, roughly the time between the declaration of independence and the ratification of the constitution, many statesmen from the north and south expressed hope that slavery would gradually wither away. The timing of douglass speech about independence day puts it outside the school calendar. The river campus libraries department of rare books, special collections, and preservations holdings includes a manuscript collection of. Jul 04, 2018 the following post is an abridged version of fredrick douglass famed speech, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Frederick douglass speech what to the slave is the 4th.
Douglass was known for being a social reformer, a author, a journalist, human rights and womens rights activist, a publisher, and last but not least a. At the invitation of the rochester ladies antislavery society, frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5, 1852, at corinthian hall in rochester, new york. Also recommended to put this speech in historical context is to read evan cartons excellent work on frederick douglass friend and coconspirator, john brown. Douglass alone with many others, were brilliant forces in the anti slavery movement. His antipathy toward slavery was wellearned, as he was born a slave in maryland. Frederick douglass quotes quotable quote what, to the american slave, is your fourth of july.
Frederick douglass was still talking about the fourth of july on the 5th of july. This 4th of july tradition features two stages of entertainment along with familyfriendly rides, activities, food and fireworks from noon to dusk. The day after he presented the hypocrisy of american slavery at the rochester celebrations, he presented a speech that incorporated much of the hypocrisy of. In july of 1852, frederick douglass delivered a speech titled what to the slave is the fourth of july. Some times more than others, he was also an outspoken pacifist. I want to make a case for arguably the greatest speech in american political. His withering 1852 oration in rochester, new york ranks high in the canon of. July 4 independence day at cedar hill frederick douglass. Douglass was one of the greatest public speakers of the civil war era, a conscience of the abolitionist movement and beyond and a popular choice for summing up american ideals, failings and challenges. Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration bartleby. Frederick douglass what, to the american slave, is your 4th of july. After escaping from slavery in maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in massachusetts and new york, gaining note for his oratory 6 and. Frederick douglass delivered best fourth of july speech in. Frederick douglass is one of the most prominent and recognizable abolitionists and writers of the 19th century.
The vermont humanities council seeks to engage all vermonters in the world of ideas, foster a culture of thoughtfulness, and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. Admission to the speech was 12 cents, and the crowd at the. The best fourth of july speech in american history july 2, 2015 douglass printed the speech in his newspaper, frederick douglass paper, and published 700 copies of it in pamphlet form. He was born a slave in maryland but managed to escape to the north in 1838. His famous and powerful 1852 speech, what to the slave is the 4th of july. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day speech. Get an answer for summary of frederick douglasss speech the meaning of july fourth for the negro.
February 1817 february 20, 1895 was an american social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Douglass speech was 165 years ago, but we are sharing the full speech today as in the context of history, signing of the declaration of independence on july 4, 1776, offered stark contradictions that douglass had the courage to point out. Frederick never knew his father but suspected him to be his owner, captain aaron anthony. On this independence day it is well to remember a speech, the meaning of july fourth for the negro, given by the formerly enslaved and probably greatest 19th century american, frederick douglass, at rochester, new york, on july 5, 1852, at the peak of north america slavery indeed, about 230 years into that era. Jack duvall, president of the international center on nonviolent conflict, often. The speech, titled the meaning of july fourth for the negro, is being read this month around the commonwealth and is still capable of stirring emotional responses from audiences, according to whitney battlebaptiste, associate professor of anthropology, who led a community discussion after a june 28 reading of the douglass oration on the. Frederick douglass july 4th speech remains relevant, says battlebaptiste. Im not from the us, but my wife is and we plan to move there in the next few months. It was reported and reprinted in northern newspapers and was published and sold as a fortypage pamphlet within weeks of its delivery. After escaping from slavery in maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in massachusetts and new york, gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. Jul 05, 2017 what to the slave is the fourth of july. The oratory of frederick douglass read by ossie davis.
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