On July 5, 1852, at the invitation of the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society, Frederick Douglass delivered one of the most powerful indictments of American hypocrisy ever spoken. Standing before a predominantly white audience in Rochester, New York, Douglass—a formerly enslaved man, abolitionist, and orator—asked a piercing question:
“What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?”
Today, as civil rights are once again under attack and systemic injustice persists, Douglass’ words echo with unsettling relevance:
“This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”
Let us reflect—and act—with the clarity, courage, and moral urgency Douglass demanded.
Listen to James Earl Jones read Douglass’ full speech
Explore the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s reflection
Thank you for always providing moral clarity on important issues that affect us.
Angela Natale-Ryan Class of 1980
In these confounded times, the words of Fredrick Douglass sting mightily! We as a nation seem currently to be bathed in intolerance.
For the holiday, I would likewise recommend you find Judge Michael Luddig reflections on the Declaration of Independence. His scholarship is awesome.