Later he served in a number of positions, inlcuding. Download pdf frederick douglass and the fourth of july. The following is an excerpt from an oration delivered at the rochester ladies antislavery society. On july 5, 1852, former slave frederick douglass delivered a fiery, hopeful political sermon at corinthian hall in rochester,read more. Former slave frederick douglass july 5, 1852, speech, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Discover frederick douglass quotes about 4th of july. 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. In an independence day address in 1852, abolitionist movement leader frederick douglass famously asked a gathering in rochester, new york what to the slave is the fourth of july. A famous speech he gave in rochester in 1852 said holiday makers shouts of liberty and equality were a mockery to those held. Frederick douglass july 5, 1852 what follows is an abridged version. 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. Background at the invitation of the rochester ladies antislavery society, frederick douglass delivered this speech on july 5.
Think of it like pbs a capitol fourthbut without the washedup celebritiesbecause on july 4th, 1852, douglass was a prime headliner. Frederick douglass was the celebrity speaker at the 1852 independence day celebrations in rochester, new york. Countless elites in the media this week have cited abolitionist frederick douglass infamous 1852 speech as a condemnation of american ideals. Frederick douglass july 4th speech remains relevant, says. In 1852, invited to give speech in rochester, douglass delivered the following indictment of a a nation celebrating freedom and independence, while keeping slaves.
On july 5, 1852, frederick douglass gave a keynote address at an independence day celebration and asked, what to the slave is the fourth of july. On july 4, 1862 with the war underway he addressed an audience of about 2,000 in himrods corner, n. He became famous after writing his autobiography in. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. Essay about fredrick douglass fourth of july oration 21 words 6 pages. The fourth of july speech, scheduled for rochesters corinthian hall, attracted an audience of 600.
This is the greatest antislavery speech uttered by an. Create amazing picture quotes from frederick douglass quotations. Although primarily remembered for pointing out the hypocrisy of independence day in a nation that condoned the enslavement of millions of people, the speech also includes. I have said that the declaration of independence is the ringbolt to the chain of your nations destiny. Opinion frederick douglass independence day speech still. Douglasss speech was titled what to the slave is the fourth of july. 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. It carries your minds back to the day, and to the act of your great deliverance. Douglass proved he was not the typical fourth of july. The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. When his speech was published, his intended audience was his fellow citizens and those unaware that the fourth of july was a day of mourning for slaves. Frederick douglass speech july 4, 1852 independence day.
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. Click here for the text of this historical document. All of this information about history and douglasss life are important components when understanding douglasss purpose for giving his speech. A famous speech he gave in rochester in 1852 said holiday makers shouts of. 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. 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.
The speech has since been published under the above title in the frederick douglass papers, series one, vol. Frederick douglass 1852 speech what, to the american slave, is your 4th of july. On july 5, 1852, douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence, held at rochesters corinthian hall. That i am here today is, to me, a matter of astonishment as well as of gratitude. Frederick douglass, what to the slave is the fourth of july. On july 5, 1852, frederick douglass gave a speech at an independence day celebration organized by the rochester ladies antislavery society. 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 douglass on july 5, 1852, orator and abolitionist frederick douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of. How does douglass praise the american founding fathers and their outstanding political achievements.
The meaning of july fourth for the negro by frederick douglass. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by. Jul 02, 2015 former slave frederick douglass july 5, 1852, speech, what to the slave is the fourth of july. Frederick douglass independence day speech is a prophesy, writes kevin c. Aligned with curriculum standards, these narrativenonfiction books also highlight key 21st century content. The hypocrisy of american slavery introduction shmoop. Jun 30, 2016 this fourth of july is yours, not mine. Frederick douglass was born in maryland in 1818, the son of a slave woman and her white master. Douglass insisted on giving the speech on july 5 because he refused to celebrate independence day in a nation that allowed. George kendall warrennational archives and records administration editors note. Rhetorical analysis of what to the slave is the fourth of july 823 words 4 pages.
In 1852, the rochester ladies antislavery association invited abolitionist, activist and statesman frederick douglass to speak at their july fourth independence day celebration. Jul 04, 2007 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. I shall never forget his first speech at the conventionthe. Jul 04, 2018 frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace changes in u.
Douglasss experiences of suffering and mistreatment along with being asked by the leading citizens of rochester on independence day led him to his exigency. Douglass was a powerful orator, often traveling six months out of the year to give lectures on abolition. It is the birthday of your national independence, and your political freedom. Through summary organizers, practice, and discussion, they will master the technique of identifying key words, creating. What to the slave is 4th of july frederick douglass speech. Frederick douglass was an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. Douglass starts by pointing out to the audience that asking a former slave to speak on independence day, a holiday that celebrates freedom, is pretty weird. July 4th marks independence day, even as protesters mark americas denial of liberty to people of color. 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. Jul 04, 2003 frederick douglass on july 5, 1852, orator and abolitionist frederick douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence. Twitter facebook telegram whatsapp balatarin email share. 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 executive order freeing enslaved persons in southern and bordering states.
Frederick douglass quotes about 4th of july az quotes. The first half of his life, after his escape from slavery in 1838, was spent in the abolition movement. Brief audio excerpt democracy now, produced a july 4th segment with an audio excerpt. On the fourth of july, 1852, america celebrated its freedom, as it does every independence day. My bondage and my freedom university of south florida. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which. Frederick douglass the hypocrisy of american slavery a portrait of frederick douglass. 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. Frederick douglass delivered best fourth of july 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 julyfocused speeches the ap traces douglass critique back to an 1852 speech that he. The sunlight that brought life and healing to you, has brought stripes and death.
Sir, it is just ten years and three days ago, when it was my high. These words were spoken by fredrick douglass in his famous speech. Frederick douglass independence day speech at rochester. Nine years before the civil war, former slave and abolitionist frederick douglass addressed an independence day observance in rochester, n. The hypocrisy of american slavery, july 4, 1852 frederick douglass 18171895, born a slave in maryland, became the best known black american leader of the 19th century. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech essay 90 words. What to the slave is the fourth of july extract from an oration, at rochester, july 5, 1852. 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. 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. Also recommended to put this speech in historical context is to read evan cartons excellent work on frederick douglass friend and coconspirator, john brown. The history of frederick douglass searing independence day oration. Opinion frederick douglass independence day speech. Jul 02, 2018 it is the 200th anniversary of frederick douglass s birth, and in memory of his words commemorating independence day in 1852, we gathered voices from boston, ma to hear his words echo today.
Excerpts of the frederick douglass speech what to the slave is 4th of july. 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. It is the 200th anniversary of frederick douglasss birth, and in memory of his words commemorating independence day in 1852, we gathered voices from boston, ma to. Douglass read the essay on july 5, 1852 the day after independence day to the ladies antislavery society in rochester, new york, a city that was a center of abolitionist activities. 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. Frederick douglass and his 4th of july or independence day. Independence, and the sentiments of the founders of the republic. A young boy listens to frederick douglass deliver his speech, and begins to question the meaning of independence day. 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. Answering his own question, it is a day, he said, that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is. What to the slave is the 4th of july 1852 frederick. During the 1850s, frederick douglass typically spent about six months of the year travelling extensively, giving lectures.
Frederick douglasss what to the slave is the fourth of. In this biting speech, abolitionist leader and former slave frederick douglass. Frederick douglass and the independence day speech frederick douglass, frederick douglass speaking, by cynthia nirlsen, percaritatem, public domain. Left completely misses the point of douglasss speech.
It is the birthday of your national independence, and of your political freedom. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in commonthe rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not. 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. Frederick douglass fourth of july speech, then and now. Frederick douglass lashes out in famous independence day. Frederick douglass july 4 speeches trace changes in u. During the 1850s, frederick douglass typically spent about six months of the year.
While referring to the celebrations of the independence day in the united states the day before, the speech explores the constitutional and valuesbased arguments against the continued existence of slavery in the united states. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. Douglass insisted on giving the speech on july 5 because he refused to celebrate independence day in a nation that allowed slavery. Though a biting critique of the federal governments support of slavery and the recently passed fugitive slave act, the 500 to 600 people in attendance at corinthian hall heartily supported douglass. Douglass continued to add to the speech in the years that followed. Jul 03, 2019 the history of frederick douglass searing independence day oration. Frederick douglass delivered best fourth of july speech in. Reading it today will help us think about the inequities built into our society. Jul 04, 2018 abolitionist frederick douglass spoke about independence day in rochester, pointing out that when the least of us lack liberty, the celebration rings hollow. The speeches of frederick douglass included in these records are among his. This, to you, is what the passover was to the emancipated people of god. Download pdf frederick douglass and the fourth of july free. A speech given at rochester, new york, july 5, 1852.
Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today. Jul 04, 2018 douglass read the essay on july 5, 1852 the day after independence day to the ladies antislavery society in rochester, new york, a city that was a center of abolitionist activities. Frederick douglass july 4th speech remains relevant, says battlebaptiste. I do not remember ever to have appeared as a speaker before any assembly more shrinkingly, nor with greater distrust of my ability, than i do this day. Frederick douglass, americas most famous antislavery activist and fugitive slave, saw no ground. He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves than i have.
Frederick douglass a former slave himself, he became a leader in the 19th century abolitionist movement this speech is. The blessings in which you this day rejoice are not enjoyed in common. National independence, and of your political freedom. Oct 19, 2017 excerpts of the frederick douglass speech what to the slave is 4th of july. The first four lessons require students to read excerpts from the speech like a detective. His speech was delivered at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of. Frederick douglass, a former slave and accomplished orator, gave this speech to the citizens of rochester, new york, during their independence day celebration on july 4th, 1852. Y blight argues that his shift then from addressing simply you. Frederick douglass escaped from slavery at the age of 21 and during the period of reconstruction after the civil war he gained a reputation for being an eloquent speaker for the rights of former. Frederick douglass, independence day speech at rochester. Frederick douglass speech on meaning of july fourth. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery. That i am here today is, to me, a matter of astonishment as well.
How frederick douglass challenged the hypocrisy of. Jul 02, 2018 july 4th marks independence day, even as protesters mark americas denial of liberty to people of color. In 1852, he gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the declaration of independence. What to the slave is the fourth of july a rhetorical analysis. He who could address this audience without a quailing sensation, has stronger nerves. Fredrick douglass was a former slave who became an outspoken abolitionist.
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