During one winter the winter of 18551856 he gave about 70 lectures during a tour that covered four to five thousand miles. The first four lessons require students to read excerpts from the speech like a detective. On july 5, 1852, douglass, a former slave, orator, and writer, delivered a speech during an. 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. He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than i have. Douglass delivered a speech that took aim at the pieties of the nation the cherished memories of its revolution, its principles of liberty, and its moral and religious foundation. Frederick douglasss fourth of july speech washington post. Jul 02, 2018 july 4th marks independence day, even as protesters mark americas denial of liberty to people of color. 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. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today. And his speaking engagements did not halt at the end of a tour. Through summary organizers, practice, and discussion, they will master the technique of identifying key words, creating. James earl jones reads frederick douglasss historic speech. Brief audio excerpt democracy now, produced a july 4th segment with an audio excerpt.
In the manner of garry willss lincoln at gettysburg 1992, james a. 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. Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, prompt you to celebrate and to hold it in perpetual remembrance. Admission to the speech was 12 cents, and the crowd at the rochester ladies antislavery society was enthusiastic, voting unanimously to endorse the speech at. Frederick douglass was a fiery orator and his speeches were often published in various abolitionist newspapers. Jul 02, 2019 every july 4 for more than a decade, actor phil darius wallace has performed excerpts from frederick douglasss most famous speech, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Directions for annotating frederick douglasss fourth of. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech analysis and activities. Short 4,526 words approximately 30 minutes medium 5,370 words approximately 35 minutes full text.
On july 5th, 1852, frederick douglass, one of the greatest orators of all time, delivered what was arguably the centurys most powerful abolition speech. As the associated press noted july 1, formerly enslaved abolitionist frederick douglass addressed the failure of american commitments to freedom more than a century ago in several fourth of july focused speeches. Fourth of july speech by frederick douglass 1 why do you think douglass opened his speech with a question. Frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5, 1852, at. As the associated press noted july 1, formerly enslaved abolitionist frederick douglass addressed the failure of american commitments to freedom more than a century ago in several fourth of julyfocused speeches. Nine years before the civil war, former slave and abolitionist frederick douglass addressed an. Frederick douglass country, strong, 4th of july the 4th of july is the first great fact in your nations history the very ringbolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny. 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. Douglass insisted on giving the speech on july 5 because he refused to celebrate independence day in a nation that allowed slavery. Paragraph 1 summary in this paragraph douglass tells us that he cannot celebrate americas freedom until slavery does not exist.
On july 5, 1852, douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence, held at rochesters corinthian hall. 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. The following is an excerpt from an oration delivered at the rochester ladies antislavery society. Frederick douglass 4th of july speech by samuel brotherton. Frederick douglass speech on the fourth of july revisited in national archives event two readings, 165 years apart, addressed to a nation at a precarious political moment. July 5, 1852 excerpts the fact is, ladies and gentlemen, the distance between this platform and the slave plantation, from which i escaped, is considerable and the difficulties to be overcome in getting from the latter to the former, are by no means slight. Jul 04, 2018 what, to the american slave, is your 4th of july. Mar 07, 2016 audiobook full reading of the historical speech what to the slave is the fourth of july. What to the slave is the fourth of july extract from an oration, at rochester, july 5, 1852. On july 5th, 1852, in rochester, new york, he gave.
Jul 03, 2019 and yet, alternative fourth of july commemorations across the united states often draw attention to a different side of that story, with readings of the frederick douglass speech best known today. Pdf download frederick douglass and the fourth of july free. Among frederick douglass best known speeches is the meaning of july fourth for the negro with a message that still resonates 167 years later. Frederick douglass delivered best fourth of july speech.
Frederick douglasss speech mentions the development of the young nation, the revolution, and his own life experience. 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 july 5, 1852 what follows is an abridged version. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day. Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration 21 words 6 pages on july 5th 1852, frederick douglass, one of historys outstanding public speakers, carried out a very compelling speech at corinthian hall in rochester, new york. The signers of the declaration of independence were brave men. Frederick douglass, what to the slave is the fourth of. Esq frederick douglass dear sirthe ladies of the rochester anti slavery sewing society, desire me to return you their most sincere thanks for the eloquent and abl e address delivered in corinthian hall, on the 5th of july. What to the slave is the fourth of july extract from an. Would you have me argue that man is entitled to liberty. Frederick douglass recites this psalm in order to illustrate the similarity between his own situationas an african american asked to give a fourth of july speech to a white audienceand that of the jewish captives asked to sing in a strange land. 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 american slavery but expanded on those ideas. Frederick douglass was an exceptional man, a former slave, abolitionist, orator, and a genuine american hero. 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.
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. Opinion frederick douglass independence day speech. Jul 05, 2017 frederick douglass speech on the fourth of july revisited in national archives event two readings, 165 years apart, addressed to a nation at a precarious political moment. 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. The fourth of july oration was a commendable model of frederick douglasss affection and engagement towards the freedom of individuals. Frederick douglass a former slave himself, he became a leader in the 19th century abolitionist movement this speech is below, courtesy of the freeman institute. This essay is a textual analysis of frederick douglass 1852 what to the slave is the fourth of july oration. Frederick douglass what to the slave is the 4th of july. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day speech. Frederick douglass and what to the slave is the fourth of. With financial help from english quakers, douglass purchased his own freedom from his former owners and returned in 1847 as a free man. Early in the speech, douglass compares the united states to babylon, which was felled by god because of its sins, according to the bible.
On july 5, 1852, the ladies antislavery society of rochester, new york, invited the black abolitionist and civil rights leader frederick douglass to be the keynote speaker for their independence day celebration. They will explore the strategies he uses to persuade and compare staged readings of the speech. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech analysis and. Page 1 of 15 what to the slave is the fourth of july. Background at the invitation of the rochester ladies antislavery society, frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5. Frederick douglass use of comparison in his fourth of. The freeman black history gallery project is designed to honor frederick douglasss legacy. The meaning of july fourth for the negro by frederick douglass. The speech is perhaps the most widely known of all of frederick douglass writings save his autobiographies.
Frederick douglass 1852 speech still resonates how can anyone celebrate the nations founding when civil liberties and systemic injustices yet. The meaning of july fourth for the negro fellow citizens, i am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic. Frederick douglasss, what to the slave is the fourth of july. During the 1850s, frederick douglass typically spent about six months of the year travelling extensively, giving lectures. A speech given at rochester, new york, july 5, 1852. Also recommended to put this speech in historical context is to read evan cartons excellent work on frederick douglass friend and coconspirator, john brown. Jul 02, 2016 frederick douglass gives meaning to the fourth of july. Frederick douglass what to the slave is the fourth of july. Colaiaco instead seeks to probe the political and social thinking of the most famous african american abolitionist, social reformer, and political leader of the nineteenth century. Determine an authors point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. And yet, alternative fourth of july commemorations across the united states often draw attention to a different side of that story, with readings of the frederick douglass speech best known today.
Colaiacos study of frederick douglass s famous 1852 independence day speech is far more than an examination of a single threehour speech. Frederick douglass july 4th speech remains relevant, says battlebaptiste. It was reported and reprinted in northern newspapers and. Jul 01, 2019 among frederick douglass best known speeches is the meaning of july fourth for the negro with a message that still resonates 167 years later. Frederick douglass 1852 speech what, to the american slave, is your 4th of july. Frederick douglass asked a packed hall of fellow americans in rochester, new york on july 5, 1852, a full 10 years before lincoln would sign an. Three score years and ten is the allotted time for. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech essay 90 words 6 pages on july 5th of 1852, the ladies antislavery society of rochester requested that emancipated slave, fredrick douglass, speak for their celebration of the united states national independence. Douglass insisted on giving the speech on july 5 because he refused to celebrate independence day in a nation that allowed. What have i, or those i represent, to do with your national independence. Frederick douglass the meaning of july fourth for the. While speaking, his main subject was seen to be american slavery.
In a fourth of july holiday special, we hear the words of frederick douglass. Frederick douglass the meaning of july fourth for the negro. Jul 05, 2018 the message of frederick douglasss 1852 speech on the contradiction of americas just ideals and unjust realities endures. Frederick douglasss what to the slave is the fourth of. Frederick douglass, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Born in 1818, frederick douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement after escaping slavery.
It has never ceased to speak directly to those for whom the celebrations can seem like a hollow mockery of freedom and independence. Frederick douglass speech about the 4th of july read aloud. Abridged by janet gillespie, director of programming. Douglass delivered a speech that took aim at the pieties of the nation the cherished memories of its revolution, its principles of liberty, and its. The fourth of july speech, scheduled for rochesters corinthian hall, attracted an audience of 600. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day speech july 4, 2017 january 14, 2019 fred thomas, iii americas independence day, commonly known as the 4 th of july brings pride and jubilee to those who call the united states home. July 5, 1852 excerpts the fact is, ladies and gentlemen, the distance between this platform and the slave plantation, from which i escaped, is considerable and the difficulties to be overcome in getting.
I do not remember ever to have appeared as a speaker before any assembly. This is the greatest antislavery speech uttered by an. Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration bartleby. Background at the invitation of the rochester ladies antislavery society, frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5, 1852. Part of a reading from voices of a peoples history of the. One person who felt that way was douglass, the famous abolitionist, who was himself born into slavery. How frederick douglass challenged the hypocrisy of. Frederick douglass fourth of july address rhetoric reflection creative writing frederick douglass was an exceptional man, a former slave, abolitionist, orator, and a genuine american hero.
Frederick douglass quotes about 4th of july az quotes. Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration. July 4th marks independence day, even as protesters mark americas denial of liberty to people of color. My bondage and my freedom university of south florida. When the ladies antislavery society of rochester, n. Frederick never knew his father but suspected him to be his owner, captain aaron anthony.
Frederick douglass was still talking about the fourth of july on the 5th of july. Douglass oration is analyzed in light of his change of opinion on the constitution as a pro. Frederick douglass gives meaning to the fourth of july. Frederick douglasss what to the slave is the fourth of july. 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. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery. What is now known as the what to the slave is the fourth of july. The 4th of july is the first great fact in your nations history the very ringbolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny. Audiobook full reading of the historical speech what to the slave is the fourth of july. Foner has called probably the most moving passage in all of douglass speeches. Frederick douglass speech july 4, 1852 independence day. Jul 04, 2017 frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day speech july 4, 2017 january 14, 2019 fred thomas, iii americas independence day, commonly known as the 4 th of july brings pride and jubilee to those who call the united states home.
His 1845 autobiography, the narrative of the life of frederick douglass. What to the slave is the fourth of july a rhetorical analysis. Born into slavery around 1818, douglass became a key leader of the abolitionist movement. Frederick douglass was an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. Douglass lived in rochester for 25 years, longer than he lived.
At a time of year where american freedom is celebrated across the nation, douglass eloquently summoned the country to resolve the contradiction between slavery and the founding principles of. Frederick douglasss fiery 1852 speech, the meaning of july. What to the slave is the fourth of july speech by abolitionist frederick douglass will be read at the stagville state historic site in durham county, once one of the largest plantations in. 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 and the fourth of july journal of. Frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace changes in u. 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. Among his wellknown speeches is the meaning of july fourth for the negro, presented in rochester, new york, on july 5, 1852, a version of which he published as a booklet. This, for the purpose of this celebration, is the 4th of july. Bondman another word for slave paragraph 2 many people used the constitution and the bible to justify their beliefs and actions regarding slavery.
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