On July 5, 1852, abolitionist and ex-slave Frederick Douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Rochester, New York’s Corinthian Hall. It was biting oratory, in which the speaker told his audience, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?” Within the now-famous address is what historian Philip S. Foner has called “probably the most moving passage in all of Douglass’ speeches.” “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 04:33:53 +0000
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